Hadiths on Worship and the Pillars of Islam

The hadiths on the five pillars of Islam — the testimony of faith, prayer, zakah, fasting, and hajj — form the core of Sharh as-Sunnah, and al-Baghawi's treatment of these sections is thorough and practically oriented. His explanations of the hadiths in these areas have made the work a standard reference for students learning both the basics of Islamic practice and the hadith evidence underlying them.

The opening sections on faith (iman) include a comprehensive treatment of the famous hadith of Jibreel, in which the Prophet, peace be upon him, defined Islam, iman, and ihsan for the Companions. Al-Baghawi's commentary on this hadith is extensive, covering the definition and components of each dimension, the relationship between them, and the theological implications of the threefold structure. His treatment draws on both hadith commentary and Shafi'i theological sources.

The prayer sections are the most extensive in Sharh as-Sunnah. Al-Baghawi treats the ablution (wudu) hadiths in detail, explaining the obligatory elements and the recommended practices, the conditions that nullify wudu, and the rules governing wiping over footwear. His section on the prayer description itself covers every element from the opening takbir to the closing salam, with hadiths on each and explanations of the legal positions derived from them.

For zakah, al-Baghawi presents the hadiths specifying the minimum amounts (nisab) for different categories of wealth, the rates of zakah on each, and the categories of recipients. His commentary addresses questions that were disputed between the schools — such as whether zakah is due on trade goods and what the precise calculation involves — with the relevant hadiths and the positions derived from them.

The hajj sections cover the major rituals in sequence — ihram, tawaf, sa'y, the standing at Arafah, the night at Muzdalifah, the stoning of the jamarat, and the sacrifice — with the prophetic narrations describing each ritual and al-Baghawi's explanations of their correct performance. This section is particularly valuable for students studying the pilgrimage for the first time.