Cadi Ayyad: scholar, judge, and saint of Marrakech
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In 11th and 12th century Ceuta, Morocco, Abou El Fadl Iyad Ben Moussa Al Yahsobi, known as Cadi Ayyad, rose from a diligent student to a respected judge and religious scholar.
Born in 1083, Cadi Ayyad studied Islamic law and theology in Ceuta, a center of learning, and later served as a judge in Ceuta and briefly in Granada, Spain. He authored several influential texts on Islamic jurisprudence and devotion.
As the Almoravid dynasty weakened, Cadi Ayyad opposed the rising Almohades, a new power that promoted different religious beliefs. After initially submitting to the Almohades, Ceuta rebelled and Cadi Ayyad was exiled to Marrakech. Accounts of his death in 1149 vary, some say he died of illness, others claim poisoning or even assassination by the Almohades, but he was buried in Marrakech near Bab Aïlen. Later, the Marinid dynasty recognized his tomb as that of an important scholar.
Cadi Ayyad is now considered one of the Seven Saints of Marrakech, revered for his knowledge and piety. His life reflects a period of political and religious transition in North Africa.
