Ma'ruf al-Karkhi
Ma'ruf ibn Firuz al-Karkhi was a Sufi Muslim saint.
Biography
Maruf was born in the district of Wasit or Karkh in Baghdad. According to some sources, he is of Mandaean origin. His father's name was Firuz, which suggests that he was of Persian origin. Attar narrates in his Memorial of the Saints that Maruf converted to Islam at a young age at the hands of Ali al-Ridha after rejecting all forms of polytheism. Tradition recounts that he immediately went and told his father and mother, who rejoiced at his decision and became Muslims themselves. After accepting Islam, Maruf became a student of Dawud al-Ta'i, and underwent a severe trial of his discipleship. Maruf, however, remained steadfast and proved himself so devout that his righteousness became locally famous.Maruf is also known to have a close relationship with Ahmad ibn Hanbal, in which ibn Hanbal is reported to have said "True knowledge is only that which Ma‘ruf has achieved.”