My name is Alahaji’ Yaya Sillah, also known as Yaya–Patchari. I was born in Jarra Sutukung Sillah Kunda in the LRR region. I am married with children. I consider my family background to be religious Muslim conservative. Initially my family belonged to the Maliki School of Islamic jurisprudence, but personally I subscribed to the Ash’ari theological school, and my spiritual mentor is Imam Ghazali. However, due to the lengthy time I spent in Western society, my views are more liberal and moderate. Professionally, I follow my Ja-hanka family Marabout tradition, which is essential for guiding people in religious matters and spiritual counselling. I obtained my early Islamic education from my grandfather Alahaji Kebba Sillah Kebba’s local Majilis at Jarra Sutukung Sillah Kunda. Later on I furthered my education at Imam Baaba Camara’s local Darra at Serrekunda Ebo Town. Briefly in the late 1990s, I enrolled to study Basic English in night classes in Ebo Town and New Jeshwang, but I am largely self-educated in the language. In 2013, I undertook short courses on Creative Writing in Western Springs College in Auckland, New Zealand, and also at Al-Fridouse Islamic College in Sydney, Australia. My area of expertise is sociology and spiritual counselling. Among my hobbies are praying, reading, writing, research, and travelling