OverviewA teacher in southern Iraq whose followers developed the Rifa‘i tradition.CategoryScholarPeriodc. 1119 – c. 1183 CE
Life and settingAhmad al-Rifa‘i taught in southern Iraq and gathered followers around a life of devotion and spiritual instruction.Source: TDV Encyclopaedia of Islam
Work and legacyThe Rifa‘i order developed from the community associated with him. Its later practices and geographical expansion should be distinguished from what can be established about his own life.Source: TDV Encyclopaedia of Islam
SourcesOriginal concise biography based on the cited references. Historical reports, later devotional traditions and uncertain dates are distinguished where relevant.TDV Encyclopaedia of Islam
