Sharafuddin Maneri

Known as "The Spiritual Teacher of the Realm," Maneri is venerated as on e of the most famous Islamic saints. This Sufi master was born in Bengal in Northeast India where he lived, taught, and founded the Firdausiya order of Bihar. These letters were written to the Governor of Chausa in Western Bihar as a basic presentation of his teachings for spiritual advancement. Dr. Bruce Lawrence in his foreword says of the letters that "they are unrivaled...and cannot be surpassed...as an invitation to experience the Sufi Way as a Sufi master experienced and described it, to join him in the endless struggle which has been ordained for man alone in the whole created order, to seek perfection while clinging to the pain of love."

Syed Hasan Askari in speaking of Maneri says, "He still enjoys immense popularity in religious and official circles, among Hindus as well as Muslims, a tribute which has been denied to other Sufi masters..."