Maruf Karkhi's Ideas

Maruf Karkhi is the pioneer of Sufism in Baghdad. He played a significant role in shifting Sufism from asceticism to mysticism. A study of his words and ideas shows that he was the first to define Sufism. He defines Sufism as perceiving the truths, expressing the subtlelties, and keeping off the people. His definition has attracted scholars such as Nicholson who studied Sufism. The present paper analyzes Karkhi's ideas through his works and words. The paper also discusses dimensions of his personality. Knowing his personality can in many ways clarify the history of Sufism. Mandayan beliefs can be traced in his ideas because his father was Mandayan.