Cadi Ayyad was a prominent 12th-century Moroccan scholar and philosopher, known for his contributions to Islamic thought and jurisprudence. He was born in Marrakech and became a significant figure in the Maliki school of Islamic law. His most famous work, the Shifa, is a comprehensive text on the life of the Prophet Muhammad and is highly regarded in Islamic literature. In addition to his scholarly achievements, Cadi Ayyad served as a judge, or qadi, in Marrakech, where he played a crucial role in the administration of justice. His influence extended beyond his lifetime, as his teachings continue to be studied and respected in the Islamic world today.