A celebrated saint of India. One of India's most prominent Sufi saints, Sheikh Sharafuddin Ahmad Yahya Maneri, is called Makhdoom-e-Jahan for his spiritual status. An overpowering urge to shun material comforts drove Sheikh Yahya into the forest of Behea (about 15 miles west of Maner). After a few years he returned home only to go back to the forest, this time in Rajgir (about 75 miles east of Maner). A hot spring, near to a place where he often prayed in Rajgir, is named Mukhdoom Kund, to perpetuate his memory. After having spent at least 30 years in the forests and living on herbs and fruits Sheikh Yahya finally took abode at Bihar Sharif. On hearing his reputation as a saint Sultan Muhammad Tughlaq had a Khanqah built for him. At the Khanqah the Sheikh taught and trained disciples in Sufism - tasawwuf. Sheikh Yahya Maneri devoted his entire long life to teaching and writing. The collection of his letters (maktoobat) and sermons (Malfoozat) received wide acclaim. His maktoobat is regarded as a 'working manual' amongst the highest in Sufi circles. The Sheikh's thoughts on metaphysics, Islam, Shariah, tauheed, union with Allah and on serving people are food for contemplation. Sharafuddin Ahmad Yahya was born in Maner, a small place 15 miles to the west of Patna. His grandfather came from Quds al-Khalil near Jerusalem. An authentic book, The Life and Teaching of Sufi Saint Hazrat Shaikh Sharafuddin Ahmad Yahya Maneri (Rah A) by Syed Sadrul Hasan (Bazm-I- Firdausia Trust, Karachi) is now available.