His Title:
Al-Karkhi, named after the Karkh region in Baghdad.
His Name:
Ma’ruf bin Al-Firuzan.
His Kunya:
Abu Mahfouz.
His Birth:
He was born in Baghdad.
His Early Life:
It is said that Sheikh Ma’ruf Al-Karkhi was with his brother Isa in a school during his childhood, studying together. At that time, Sheikh Ma’ruf would say “Ahad Ahad” even though he was a Christian. The teacher would severely beat him for this. Sheikh Ma’ruf, however, endured the beating with steadfastness. After he fled from his teacher due to the beating, he returned to his mother after many years. She asked him about his faith, and he responded that he had embraced Islam. His mother, along with the entire family, converted to Islam.
His Narrations:
Sheikh Ma’ruf narrated from many prominent personalities, such as:
- Daud Al-Tai
- Ibn Al-Samak
- Ali Al-Ridha (peace be upon him)
- Bakr bin Khunays
His Contemporaries:
Sheikh Ma’ruf had many prominent companions, such as:
- Sirri Al-Saqti
- Ahamd ibn Hanbal
- Ibn Ma’in
His Residence:
He lived in Kufa and later moved to Baghdad.
His Path:
Sheikh Ma’ruf Al-Karkhi followed the Qadiri path in two ways:
- From Sheikh Daud Al-Tai, who received it from Sheikh Al-Habib Al-Ajami, who received it from Sheikh Al-Hasan Al-Basri, who received it from Imam Ali (peace be upon him).
- From Imam Ali Al-Ridha, who received it from Imam Musa Al-Kadhim, from Imam Ja’far Al-Sadiq, from Imam Muhammad Al-Baqir, from Imam Ali Zayn Al-Abidin, from Imam Al-Hussain (peace be upon him), from Imam Ali (may Allah be pleased with him).
His Life and Miracles:
Sheikh Ma’ruf Al-Karkhi was a person whose supplications were accepted, and he had great fasting and spiritual struggle. Some of his notable miracles include:
- Walking on Water: It is said that he walked on water, and he explained, “I never walked on water, but whenever I decided to cross, the two sides would come together and I would step over it.”
- His Supplication for Others: While Sheikh Ma’ruf was sitting by the banks of the Tigris River in Baghdad, a group of people passed by, disobeying Allah. His companions said, “Did you not see them disobeying Allah? Curse them.” Sheikh Ma’ruf raised his hands and said, “O Allah, I ask You to make them happy in Paradise as You made them happy in this world.” His companions were astonished and said, “Didn’t we ask you to curse them?” He replied, “If they are made happy in the Hereafter, their repentance in this world will cause no harm to you.”
- The Conversion of a Christian: It is narrated by Amir bin Abdullah Al-Karkhi that a Christian came to Sheikh Ma’ruf and said, “I have not had any fruit from my life, and I have no children, can you pray for me?” Sheikh Ma’ruf prayed to Allah to bless him with a child, and Allah responded. A son was born to him, who was intelligent and wise. He entered into education and was deeply concerned with the oneness of Allah. By Allah’s grace, the Christian and his parents embraced Islam, and about five hundred people followed them into Islam.
His Passing:
Sheikh Ma’ruf Al-Karkhi passed away in 200 AH, and was buried in Baghdad. His tomb is considered a sacred site, where it is said: “The tomb of Ma’ruf is a tested remedy.” It is believed that visiting his grave brings blessings and healing.