Shaikh Ahmad ibn Ali Ar-Rifa’i (أَحْمَد ابْن عَلِي ٱلرِّفَاعِي رَحْمَةُ اللہ عَلیَه) (512-578 AH / 1107-1182 CE), was an Islamic Scholar, Jurist, Sufi Shaikh and founder of Rifa’i Sufi order. He was born in Iraq and lived during the time of Shaikh Abdul Qadir Jeelani (470 – 561 AH / 1077 – 1166 CE) and was one of those who received Shaikh’s blessings. The followers of Rifai Sufi order are mostly found in Indian subcontinent, Turkey and Balkans.