He studied Isl─mic law in Baghdad and was introduced to ?┗fism rather late in life, first appearing as a preacher in 1127. His great reputation as a preacher and teacher attracted disciples from the entire Isl─mic world, and he is said to have converted numerous Jews and Christians to Isl─m. His achievement as a thinker was to have reconciled the mystical nature of the ?┗f┤ calling with the sober demands of Isl─mic law. His concept of ?┗fism was that of a holy war or jih─d waged against one's own will in order to conquer egotism and worldliness and to submit to God's will. Numerous legends of his saintliness arose after his death, and he retains a popular following among those who consider him a divine mediator.