The reason why this epistle came into existence is as follows: during a meeting of religious science, the discussion turned to the scholars of the people of the Sunnah such as Mâlik, Ash-Shâfi'i, Ath-Thawri, Ahmad ibn Hanbal and many others. One of the students then argued about Al-Muzani, saying: He is not one of the scholars. The others then exclaimed: Why so? He replied: I have heard him speak about predestination and he argues using syllogism and speculation. This distressed them and they wanted to know the truth about these words. They then wrote a letter to Al-Muzani, asking him to clarify his belief. The letter reached him and his response was none other than this epistle which is in our hands.

Our Sheikh, the learned scholar Zayd ibn Muhammad Al-Madkhali - may Allah have mercy on him - has completed the explanation of this epistle which contains, in its few lines, a valuable and beneficial summary of the belief of our pious predecessors, the companions - may Allah be pleased with them - and those who followed them in good.