Abu 'Abd al-Rahman Muhammad Bin al-Husayn al-Sulami al-Shafi'i (Arabic: محمد بن حسين السلمي), commonly known as al-Sulami[3] (947-1034), was a Shafi'i muhaddith (Hadith Master), muffassir (Qur'anic commentator), shaykh of the Awliya, Sufi hagiographer, and a prolific writer.
"[1] Al-Sulami was born in the city of Nishapur in the year 947 and came from a modest background and was orphaned in his teens after the passing of his father who was known for his piety and refined manners.
His intention was to build a solitude for pious worshippers and spiritual seekers of Nishapur, which was then visited by the famous Imam al-Khatib.
[8][9] To this date, al-Sulami works remain one of the most important authorities in early history of Sufi literature and many of his books have been preserved over the centuries.
"[11] Abu Nu'aym said: He achieved complete Mastery of the Ways of the Awliya (Tassawuf), so much as to summarize it according to the explanation of the ancient (oldest Friends of God).