Maruf Al Karkhi

Ma'ruf ibn Fayruz al-Karkhi of Baghdad, Abu Mahfuz, was one of the foremost ascetics and early Sufis of third-century Baghdad, a client of the Banu Hashim. He heard from 'Ali ibn Musa al-Rida and his companions, from Dawud al-Ta'i and others, and died in 200 AH; his grave in Baghdad remains a famous shrine. ²

He was counted the standard-bearer of the ascetics of his age. When Ahmad ibn Hanbal was asked about the "knowledge of realities" he answered: "Woe to you! Is anything wanted of knowledge beyond what Ma'ruf attained?" Sufyan ibn 'Uyayna told his companions that Baghdad had its sage among them — meaning Ma'ruf. ³

Al-Dhahabi transmits a number of his sayings on charity and caring for the poor, among them: "Three things are the comfort of believers: withholding harm, good cheer towards whoever does good openly or inwardly, and abundant remembrance of God." ⁴