Abdullah ibn al-Mubarak عبد الله بن المبارك المروزي

Abu Abd al-Rahman Abdullah ibn al-Mubarak ibn Wadih al-Hanzali al-Tamimi rahimahullah (118-181 AH / 736-797 CE) was one of the most distinguished scholars of the second Islamic century, celebrated as a hadith master, jurist, ascetic, worshipper, poet, linguist, and man of exceptional generosity. Born in Merv in 118 AH, he was an avid seeker of knowledge who traveled extensively to study under the foremost scholars of his era, including Malik ibn Anas, Sufyan al-Thawri, Abu Hanifa, Layth ibn Sa'd, Awza'i, Yahya ibn Abi Kathir, and Hammad ibn Zayd - many of whom were among the leading tabi'un. He died in Hit at the age of 63, returning from military campaign, in 181 AH. His most celebrated work is Kitab al-Zuhd wa'l-Raqa'iq, preserved as Softening the Heart. Ibn Hibban wrote of him: 'All praiseworthy qualities were found in him. During his time, no scholar in the world possessed such qualities together.' (Thiqat, 7:7-8.)