original_query: What is the historical origin of the Zahabiya genealogy?
query: What is the historical origin of the Zahabiya genealogy?
answer: The Zahabiya genealogy is a Shiite Sufi sect whose origins are traced back to the 3rd century AH to Ma'ruf al-Karkhi.  Some believe it originated in 9th century AH Iran, gaining popularity first in Khorasan then Shiraz during the early Safavid period. It's considered a branch of the Kubrawiya order.