Notable Works by a Distinguished Scholar

The narrator is known as a preserver, a reliable and truthful scholar, and often, a prolific author. His most prominent compilations include:

1- The Major Sunan

Al-Dhahabi spoke of it, saying: "None can compare to it".

2- The Minor Sunan

A scholar mentioned in his book, 'Uncovering Doubts', saying: "The Major and Minor Sunan are two books by Abu Bakr Ahmad Ibn Al-Husain Ibn Ali Al-Bayhaqi, which are organized according to the 'Concise Al-Muzani'. There is no similar compilation in Islam."

3- Proofs of Prophethood and Knowing the Conditions of the Lawgiver.

This is considered a gem among al-Bayhaqi's works, and among the most comprehensive and precious works in this topic.

4- Laws of the Quran:

Compiling from the discourse of Al-Shafa'i.

5- Book of Faith.

6- Book "Recitation Behind the Imam"

7- The Lives of the Prophets in Their Graves

8- The Virtues of Al-Shafa'i

9- The Major Book of Asceticism (Zuhd)

10- The Introduction to Sunan

11- Resurrection and Reckoning

12- Book "Decree (Al-Qadr)"

13- Book "Etiquettes"

14- Book "Encouragement and Intimidation"

15- Book "Virtues of the Companions"

16- Book "The Major Forty Narrations"

17- Book "Virtues of Imam Ahmad"

Al-Subki's Observations on Compilations of Islamic Works

Al-Subki in 'Tabaqat al-Shafi'iah' (4:9) describes the works of eminent authors and their books:

The Great Sunan

"The Great Sunan" is unique in the science of Hadith with its refinement, arrangement and quality.

Knowledge of Sunan and Traditions

"Knowledge of Sunan and Traditions" is an indispensable source for Shafi'i jurist. I heard the venerable Sheikh Imam - may God have mercy on him - say: "The intent is knowledge of Shafi'i's Sunan and traditions".

The Detailed Book on Shafi'i Texts

As for "The Detailed Book on Shafi'i Texts", nothing like it has been composed in its genre.

The Book of Names and Attributes

As for "The Book of Names and Attributes", I know of no equivalent to it.

Miscellaneous Books

As for "The Book of Creed", "The Book of Prophetic Evidences", "The Branches of Faith", "The Virtues of Shafi'i", "The Great Invocations", I swear that none of them have a match.

The Book of Controversies

And as for "The Controversial Matters", no one has preceded it in its kind, and nothing similar has been composed. It is an independent traditionist method, where only a distinguished jurist and a hadith scholar who master the texts can tackle.

Other Numerous Books

He also has "The Virtues of Imam Ahmad", "Shafi'i's Quranic Rulings", "The Minor Invocations", "The Resurrection and Judgement", "The Great Asceticism", "The Creed", "The Manners", "The Prisoners", "The Minor Sunan", "The Forty", "The Virtues of Times", among others. All of them are well-organized, refined compilations that are immensely beneficial, as recognized by anyone who has witnessed them, they were never suited to the predecessors.

The Glowing Good Classification

This glowing, highly beneficial classification is what led the Imam of the Two Holy Mosques to say: "Every Shafi'i owes a favor to Shafi'i, except al-Bayhaqi for his favor is upon Shafi'i, for his classifications in support of his school and his opinions".