Sari al-Saqati

Sari al-Saqati was a prominent merchant in Baghdad who renounced worldly wealth to pursue spiritual perfection under Ma'ruf al-Karkhi. He became the central teacher of the sober Baghdad school of mysticism and the maternal uncle and mentor of the renowned master Junayd of Baghdad.

Sari was among the first scholars to systematically articulate the psychological states (ahwal) and spiritual stations (maqamat) of the seeker, emphasizing constant self-examination, detachment from worldly pride, and active compassion for fellow beings. His disciples spread his ethical teachings throughout the Islamic world.