200+ "Idries Shah" Quotes And Sayings

Idries Shah was born in 1923 and died in 2006. He was a Sufi mystic, writer, teacher, and social reformer, as well as a poet and playwright. The teachings of Sufism have been termed as the Third Way between traditional Islamic thought and Western rationalism, as his teachings were an amalgamation of both. The central theme of his work was all that is good in human life: family, community, nationhood, or humanity Read more

He believed that people could be saved from the destruction caused by capitalism and communism through a return to a more traditional form of spirituality based on love.

In a village where everyone has only one leg, the...
1
In a village where everyone has only one leg, the biped will hop about more lamely than anyone else, if he knows what is good for him. Idries Shah
One day we will all wear a garment which has...
2
One day we will all wear a garment which has no pockets... Idries Shah
Wisdom is when you understand what, previously, at best you...
3
Wisdom is when you understand what, previously, at best you only knew. Idries Shah
SAYING OF SHEIKH ZIAUDIN:Self-justification is worse than the original offence.
4
SAYING OF SHEIKH ZIAUDIN:Self-justification is worse than the original offence. Idries Shah
5
It is not Sufism if it does not perform its function for you. A cloak is no longer a cloak if it does not keep a man warm. Idries Shah
If wine is the enemy of religion, I shall devour...
6
If wine is the enemy of religion, I shall devour the enemy of religion. Idries Shah
7
The function of a nutrient is to become transmuted, not to leave unaltered traces. Idries Shah
Haste is from the Devil.
8
Haste is from the Devil. Idries Shah
Fettered feet in the presence of friends is better than...
9
Fettered feet in the presence of friends is better than living in a garden with strangers. Idries Shah
If you really want to learn, do not be surprised...
10
If you really want to learn, do not be surprised if someone tries to teach you. And do not lightly reject the method. Idries Shah
Most people, whatever their opinions and protestations, do not want...
11
Most people, whatever their opinions and protestations, do not want to learn. Idries Shah
One of the basic Sufi needs is to enable people...
12
One of the basic Sufi needs is to enable people to see themselves as they really are. Idries Shah
13
The Sufi teacher’s mission is to be in the service of those who can learn. Idries Shah
The teacher works in accordance with the prospects of his...
14
The teacher works in accordance with the prospects of his students and the possibility of maintaining the community of Sufis. Idries Shah
The Sufis regard systems which treat everyone alike as mechanical...
15
The Sufis regard systems which treat everyone alike as mechanical and degenerate. Idries Shah
The candle burned the moth: But soon it will vanish...
16
The candle burned the moth: But soon it will vanish in its own fat. Idries Shah
Yes, the world is an illusion. But Truth is always...
17
Yes, the world is an illusion. But Truth is always being shown there. Idries Shah
If you want special illumination, look upon the human face:...
18
If you want special illumination, look upon the human face: See clearly within laughter the Essence of Ultimate Truth. Idries Shah
The question of divine knowledge is so deep that it...
19
The question of divine knowledge is so deep that it is really known only to those who have it. Idries Shah
It is your duty to do your best. It is...
20
It is your duty to do your best. It is not, however, your birth-right to prevail. Idries Shah