author
Sharaf al-Din Ahmad ibn Yahya Maniri
A major Sufi voice from medieval Bihar, he is remembered for letters that turn spiritual guidance into something intimate, practical, and deeply human. His writing helped carry Persian Sufi thought across South Asia and still speaks to readers drawn to inner discipline and devotion.
1 Audiobook
Letters from a Sûfî Teacher
by Sharaf al-Din Ahmad ibn Yahya Maniri
About the author
Sharaf al-Din Ahmad ibn Yahya Maniri, often identified with Sharfuddin Yahya Maneri, was a Sufi saint and teacher from Maner in Bihar who lived in the 13th and 14th centuries. Sources consistently describe him as an important figure in the spiritual life of eastern India, and he is especially associated with the Firdausi branch of the Suhrawardi tradition.
He is best known for his collections of letters, including the Maktubat-i Sadi or Hundred Letters, written as spiritual counsel for disciples and seekers. Those writings are valued for their clear, direct reflections on humility, self-discipline, remembrance of God, and the inner meaning of religious life.
Many modern readers encounter him through translations such as Letters from a Sufi Teacher. Even centuries later, his work stands out for its warmth and seriousness: it does not just explain mystical ideas, but tries to guide a person through the work of changing the heart.