الرحلةThe Journey

أحمد زروق

Ahmad Zarruq (RH)

Also known as: Shaykh Zarruq

846–899 AH · 1442–1493 CE

Sufism & Theology Maliki Sufism Fiqh

Maliki jurist and Shadhili master who set out the principles of Sufism.

Ahmad Zarruq was orphaned soon after birth in the region of Fez and raised by his grandmother. He studied law and hadith in Fez, Cairo and the Hijaz, and he followed the Shadhili path.

He is known as 'the regulator of the scholars and the saints' for his efforts to keep Sufism within the bounds of the Shari'ah. His Qawa'id al-Tasawwuf sets out over two hundred principles of the Sufi path, and he wrote many commentaries, including on al-Hikam of Ibn 'Ata'illah.

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Life journey

  1. 1442 CE Fez (Fas) فاس
  2. 1473 CE Cairo (al-Qahira) القاهرة
    Studied at al-Azhar and in the Hijaz; the dates are approximate.
  3. 1480 CE Misrata مصراتة
    Died 1493 CE · 899 AH
    Settled near Misrata in Libya, where his shrine stands.

Key works

  • Qawa'id al-Tasawwuf قواعد التصوف
    Principles of Sufism
    Over two hundred principles of the Sufi path.

Places in their life

Jami' al-Qarawiyyin, Fez
Jami' al-Qarawiyyin, Fez
Photo: Jorge Franganillo, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
The courtyard of al-Azhar, Cairo
The courtyard of al-Azhar, Cairo
Photo: CumaliOnal, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Sources

  • al-Sakhawi, al-Daw' al-Lami'
  • Scott Kugle, Rebel between Spirit and Law: Ahmad Zarruq (2006)
Draft, awaiting scholarly review.
Years for Cairo and Misrata approximate.