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Abstract: Ma`ruf al-Karkhi was a celebrated early mystic who died in AH 200 (AD 815/6) in Baghdad. In the Malay world, from at least the late 18th century onwards, the name of Ma`ruf al-Karkhi is often found used in an esoteric context. Written in disconnected letters (an amuletic device used in Islamic magic to enhance the efficacy of talismans and prayers), his name is found on manuscripts, letters, seals and envelopes, and was obviously believed to afford protection. But although many other amulets used in the Malay world - such as magic (number) squares, the seal of Solomon and disconnected letters - are found throughout the Islamic world, the use of the name of Ma`ruf al-Karkhi in this context has never been encountered elsewhere. Furthermore, although his name is often found in the spiritual genealogies (silsilah) of the Qadiriyya wa-Naqsybandiyya order in Indonesia, Ma`ruf al-Karkhi is not known to have occupied a special position in Malay mysticism.
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Jointly organized by IIAS the Netherlands and The State Institute of Islamic Studies, Makassar