[3] Attar narrates in his Memorial of the Saints that Maruf converted to Islam at a young age at the hands of Ali al-Ridha after rejecting all forms of polytheism.

Tradition recounts that he immediately went and told his father and mother, who rejoiced at his decision and became Muslims themselves.

After accepting Islam, Maruf became a student of Dawud al-Ta'i, and underwent a severe trial of his discipleship.

Maruf, being the disciple of Ali al-Ridha, formed part of that lineage, while at the same time maintaining the teachings of his master Dawud Ta'i and thus being his successor as well.

Sufis venerate Maruf highly for the multiple spiritual chains which interlock in his teachings.