In the fifth and sixth volumes, which deal with judicial decisions, legal rulings, marriage, divorce and related matters, and then sales—whose discussion he did not complete—he generally follows a consistent method. He gives each chapter a heading, then cites the relevant verses or hadiths, usually identifying the sources of the hadiths and their degree of authenticity. He then turns either to the lessons drawn from the verse or hadith, sometimes discussing them at considerable length and to excellent effect, or to a disputed question within the subject. He presents the various positions, beginning with those of the Companions and the early generations, followed by those of the four imams and others. He sets out the arguments for each side, discusses them, adduces evidence, assesses their strength and weakness, and draws attention to principles, governing rules, distinctions between cases, and the precise point at issue and its underlying rationale. He also highlights the deeper wisdom and purposes of the Sharia, treating them as grounds for preferring his chosen opinion—an especially valuable insight on his part. Often, he presents the evidence of both sides without expressing a preference, leaving the reader to weigh them. Throughout all this, his sole aim is to establish the guidance of the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, as he repeatedly states.

Our teacher, the eminent scholar Bakr Abū Zayd, may Allah have mercy on him, discussed Ibn al-Qayyim’s methodology of research and writing across his works in his book Ibn al-Qayyim al-Jawziyyah (pp. 85–128). After a systematic survey and examination, he identified twelve prominent characteristics that distinguish these works: reliance on evidence from the Quran and Sunnah; giving precedence to the opinions of the Companions, may Allah be pleased with them, over those of others; breadth and comprehensiveness; independence in weighing and choosing opinions; contextually relevant digressions; attention to the merits of the Sharia and the wisdom behind its legislation; attention to the reasons underlying rulings and the ways evidence supports them; vitality and abundant feeling reflecting the sentiments of his society; an engaging style and eloquent expression; effective organization and flow; evident humility, earnest entreaty and supplication; and repetition.