Farqad as-Sabakhi

Farqad Sabakhi (died 729) was an Armenian Islamic preacher and an associate of Hasan al-Basri. He was thus one of the Tabi'een (i.e. of the generation that succeeded the Sahabah). Farqad as-Sabakhi was formerly a Christian. It is noted that Farqad as-Sabakhi may have mentored Maruf Karkhi, who was a pivotal figure in Sufism. As-Sabakhi was known for his ascetic lifestyle and his knowledge of Judeo-Christian scriptures.