Ibn al-Arif facts for kids

Ibn al-Arif (Arabic: ابن العريف) was a very important Sufi teacher. His full name was Abu al-Abbas Ahmad ibn Mohammed ibn Musa ibn Ata Allah al-Mariyyi al-Sanhaji. He was also known as Al-Urruf. He was born on July 24, 1088, and passed away on September 27, 1141.

Ibn al-Arif is famous for starting a special Sufi school, or tariqa. This school followed the ideas of another teacher named Ibn Masarra. He also wrote an important book called Mahasin al-Majalis, which means The Attractions of Mystical Sessions.

Ibn al-Arif's Life Story

Ibn al-Arif was born in a city called Ceuta. He spent most of his life in Almeria, a city in a region known as Al-Andalus. This was during the time when the Almoravid dynasty was very powerful.

His father used to be an arif in Tangier. An arif was like the head of the town guard who watched over the city at night. This is how Ibn al-Arif got his last name. His family came from Tangier and belonged to a Berber tribe called the Sanhaja.

Sufism in Almeria

Almeria was a major center for Sufism during Ibn al-Arif's time. Sufism is a spiritual practice within Islam that focuses on finding a deeper connection with God. Ibn al-Arif and another Sufi teacher named Ibn Barrajan from Seville had many followers.

Their growing popularity caught the attention of the Almoravid rulers. In 1141, both men were asked to come to Marrakesh by the sultan, Ali ibn Yusuf. They were accused of teaching ideas that were different from what was generally accepted.

His Final Days

Ibn al-Arif defended himself and was allowed to leave. However, he died shortly after. Some historians say that the sultan believed Ibn al-Arif was a good and religious person. They say the sultan ordered him to be taken back to Ceuta, where he later died from an illness.

Others believe that Ibn al-Arif was poisoned during his journey back home, while crossing the sea. His tomb, or burial place, is in Marrakesh.

See also

In Spanish: Abenalarif para niños