This is an explanation of the creed of the late Sheikh Abu Abdullah Muhammad bin Abdullah al-Summi, known as "Al-Mahdi". It is famous as "Al-Murshida" by the jurist Sheikh Abu Abdullah Muhammad bin Khalil, may Allah benefit us by him. The distinction of this explanation is its accuracy in presenting and analyzing theological issues, despite its brevity and small size.

What indicates the attention of the people of Tunis to Al-Murshida is that Abu al-Qasim bin Ahmad bin Matmad mentioned it in his "Nawazil". He quoted its full text and said in 1440 AH / 1418 CE: "The news has been widely reported from the Imam Al-Mahdi Al-Sharif, the chief of the Monotheists, and he elaborated on this in his famous creed, Al-Murshida... This creed has been widely memorized due to its conciseness and eloquence."

Al-Murshida was also known and available in Tripoli, as described by Abu Abdullah Muhammad bin Yahya al-Shibani al-Tarabulsi in his explanation of Al-Murshida: "The creed known as Al-Murshida, attributed to Imam Al-Mahdi, is often used by the people of virtue among the Sufis, and they recite it for blessings in their remembrance."

Among the manifestations of attention to it is the writing of explanations on it. The Sufi Abu Abdullah Muhammad bin Yusuf al-Kharrat explained it, as mentioned by al-Shibani, who said: "The Sufi jurist and ascetic Sheikh Abu Abdullah Muhammad bin Yusuf al-Sanhaji, known as al-Kharrat, wrote an explanation of it. I was responsible for copying it from his dictation in the year seven hundred and forty." However, this explanation was lost amidst the events that befell Tripoli in the year 740 AH.

Al-Sukuni, explanation of Al-Murshida: Manuscript No. (193). Imam of the Malikis in the Maghreb. He resided in Tunis and the fatwa was referred to him. He was known as Sheikh al-Islam. He traveled to the East, performed Hajj, and passed through Cairo. He is one of the most famous students of Ibn Arafa. Among his works are "Jami' Masail al-Ahkam" (Collection of Rulings) and "Ma Nazala min al-Qadaya lil-Mufteeen wal-Hukkam" (What Decrees Have Been Issued to Muftis and Judges). See his biography in: Ibn Maryam, Al-Bustan: 47-74. Al-Barzali, Al-Nawazil: 333/4-334. He lived in Tripoli in the eighth century AH. Al-Shibani, explanation of Al-Murshida: 63. Same source: 198. 456.