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The Prophet's Hair
A Vintage Shorts “Short Story Month” Selection
Secular moneylender and manic collector of treasures, Hashim lives a life of gentle honor until he discovers, washed up to his private quay, a great relic: a silver pendant bearing a strand of the Prophet’s hair.
From one of the most controversial novelists of the last century, world-renowned master of invention and allusion Salman Rushdie, “The Prophet’s Hair” vibrates with fantastical promise, smashing together cultures and worlds, fantasy with reality, into breathless and lush allegorical fable. Selected from Rushdie’s collection of nine enchanting short stories, East West.
An ebook short.
Secular moneylender and manic collector of treasures, Hashim lives a life of gentle honor until he discovers, washed up to his private quay, a great relic: a silver pendant bearing a strand of the Prophet’s hair.
From one of the most controversial novelists of the last century, world-renowned master of invention and allusion Salman Rushdie, “The Prophet’s Hair” vibrates with fantastical promise, smashing together cultures and worlds, fantasy with reality, into breathless and lush allegorical fable. Selected from Rushdie’s collection of nine enchanting short stories, East West.
An ebook short.
26 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 1981
63 people are currently reading
584 people want to read
About the author
Salman Rushdie
196 books13.1k followersSir Ahmed Salman Rushdie is an Indian-born British and American novelist. His work often combines magic realism with historical fiction and primarily deals with connections, disruptions, and migrations between Eastern and Western civilizations, typically set on the Indian subcontinent. Rushdie's second novel, Midnight's Children (1981), won the Booker Prize in 1981 and was deemed to be "the best novel of all winners" on two occasions, marking the 25th and the 40th anniversary of the prize.
After his fourth novel, The Satanic Verses (1988), Rushdie became the subject of several assassination attempts and death threats, including a fatwa calling for his death issued by Ruhollah Khomeini, the supreme leader of Iran. In total, 20 countries banned the book. Numerous killings and bombings have been carried out by extremists who cite the book as motivation, sparking a debate about censorship and religiously motivated violence. In 2022, Rushdie survived a stabbing at the Chautauqua Institution in Chautauqua, New York.
In 1983, Rushdie was elected a fellow of the Royal Society of Literature. He was appointed a Commandeur de l'Ordre des Arts et des Lettres of France in 1999. Rushdie was knighted in 2007 for his services to literature. In 2008, The Times ranked him 13th on its list of the 50 greatest British writers since 1945. Since 2000, Rushdie has lived in the United States. He was named Distinguished Writer in Residence at the Arthur L. Carter Journalism Institute of New York University in 2015. Earlier, he taught at Emory University. He was elected to the American Academy of Arts and Letters. In 2012, he published Joseph Anton: A Memoir, an account of his life in the wake of the events following The Satanic Verses. Rushdie was named one of the 100 most influential people in the world by Time magazine in April 2023.
Rushdie's personal life, including his five marriages and four divorces, has attracted notable media attention and controversies, particularly during his marriage to actress Padma Lakshmi.
After his fourth novel, The Satanic Verses (1988), Rushdie became the subject of several assassination attempts and death threats, including a fatwa calling for his death issued by Ruhollah Khomeini, the supreme leader of Iran. In total, 20 countries banned the book. Numerous killings and bombings have been carried out by extremists who cite the book as motivation, sparking a debate about censorship and religiously motivated violence. In 2022, Rushdie survived a stabbing at the Chautauqua Institution in Chautauqua, New York.
In 1983, Rushdie was elected a fellow of the Royal Society of Literature. He was appointed a Commandeur de l'Ordre des Arts et des Lettres of France in 1999. Rushdie was knighted in 2007 for his services to literature. In 2008, The Times ranked him 13th on its list of the 50 greatest British writers since 1945. Since 2000, Rushdie has lived in the United States. He was named Distinguished Writer in Residence at the Arthur L. Carter Journalism Institute of New York University in 2015. Earlier, he taught at Emory University. He was elected to the American Academy of Arts and Letters. In 2012, he published Joseph Anton: A Memoir, an account of his life in the wake of the events following The Satanic Verses. Rushdie was named one of the 100 most influential people in the world by Time magazine in April 2023.
Rushdie's personal life, including his five marriages and four divorces, has attracted notable media attention and controversies, particularly during his marriage to actress Padma Lakshmi.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews
June 13, 2025
The story begins in a Srinagar winter, where a young man upon whose cold-pinked skin there lay, like a frost, the unmistakable sheen of wealth tried to find a robber. Unfortunately, misfortune befell him, and later his sister Huma had to embark upon this mysterious quest. She needed a thief, and not just any thief,
Unlike Jacobs' tale, which is a horror tale, this reads more like a fable. A moneylender, Hashim, has found himself in possession of a vial that contains the Prophet's Hair. Originally, he plans to return it to the shrine from whence it came, but falls prey to the most plebeian of human vices—greed. He charges a hefty interest rate, 71%, to teach his clients a lesson.
The Moneychanger and His Wife by Quentin Mastys, 1541
This story is astonishing in its scope. It is less than 5000 words, but it still gave me such a scale of this world that at no point did I feel lost. Rushdie's prose is nigh unmatched, with his evocative narrator being effective at immersion. When Huma is led into a darkened seedy underbelly to commune with the thief she needs, the language makes me feel like I'm hovering over her shoulder.
This short story has an overt message at its core, and it reminds the reader what comes of excesses. It's no surprise Rushdie invoked the thought of "American millionaires" who are often the media's shorthand for graft, consumption and accumulation. This is one of the most impressive short stories I've ever read.
You can read it here.
'...I must have the most desperate criminal at your disposal, a man for whom life holds no terrors, not even the fear of God. The worst of fellows, I tell you – nothing less will do!’So begins the most suspenseful tale reminiscent of WW Jacobs' The Monkey's Paw.
Unlike Jacobs' tale, which is a horror tale, this reads more like a fable. A moneylender, Hashim, has found himself in possession of a vial that contains the Prophet's Hair. Originally, he plans to return it to the shrine from whence it came, but falls prey to the most plebeian of human vices—greed. He charges a hefty interest rate, 71%, to teach his clients a lesson.
to teach these people the value of money: let them only learn that, and they will be cured of this fever of borrowing, borrowing all the time – so you see that if my plans succeed, I shall put myself out of business!When he finds the vial, he decides to settle into his nature as a collector.
And after all,’ Hashim told himself, ‘the Prophet would have disapproved mightily of this relic-worship: he abhorred the idea of being deified, so by keeping this rotting hair from its mindless devotees, I perform – do I not? – a finer service than I would by returning it! Naturally, I don’t want it for its religious value: I’m a man of the world, of this world; I see it purely as a secular object of great rarity and blinding beauty – in short, it’s the phial I desire, not the hair. There are American millionaires who buy stolen paintings and hide them away – they would know how I feel. I must, must have it!’Hashim, like the narrator of The Monkey's Paw and every unwitting genie's victim, ends up causing a string of disasters for his family, which leads to his children taking desperate measures to address the issue.
The Moneychanger and His Wife by Quentin Mastys, 1541This story is astonishing in its scope. It is less than 5000 words, but it still gave me such a scale of this world that at no point did I feel lost. Rushdie's prose is nigh unmatched, with his evocative narrator being effective at immersion. When Huma is led into a darkened seedy underbelly to commune with the thief she needs, the language makes me feel like I'm hovering over her shoulder.
She was directed into ever-darker and less public alleys until finally in a gully as dark as ink an old woman with eyes which stared so piercingly that Huma instantly understood she was blind motioned her through a doorway from which darkness seemed to be pouring like smoke...The faintest conceivable rivulet of candle-light trickled through the darkness; following this unreliable yellow thread (because she could no longer see the old lady), Huma received a sudden sharp blow to the shins and cried out involuntarily, after which she instantly bit her lip, angry at having revealed her mounting terror to whatever waited there shrouded in black. She had, in fact, collided with a low table on which a single candle burned and beyond which a mountainous figure could be made out, sitting crosslegged on the floor.
This short story has an overt message at its core, and it reminds the reader what comes of excesses. It's no surprise Rushdie invoked the thought of "American millionaires" who are often the media's shorthand for graft, consumption and accumulation. This is one of the most impressive short stories I've ever read.
You can read it here.
August 15, 2016
A short story that puts on display, all of Rushdie's charm, surreal elegance and extraordinary storytelling. The author portrays his firm grip on writing with this tale. Despite the limit of its form, the short story managed to keep me hooked with an intriguing plot, well sketched characters and thought provoking themes. Courtesy Rushdie's ability, the story moves seamlessly from a dark, poor, crime-infested locality to a lavish Kashmir home, from spine chilling thrill to a satirical narration and then to a quick paced and adventurous end.
I would advice anyone interested in this wonderful work to read it in 'East, West,' the collection of stories that it belongs to. It fits perfectly with the other stories of the anthology (which are brilliant too) to deliver a strong and thought provoking overall theme of intermingling of cultures and mixture of the eastern and western world.
I would advice anyone interested in this wonderful work to read it in 'East, West,' the collection of stories that it belongs to. It fits perfectly with the other stories of the anthology (which are brilliant too) to deliver a strong and thought provoking overall theme of intermingling of cultures and mixture of the eastern and western world.
July 31, 2019
Ngày xửa ngày xưa, trong một thung lũng xinh đẹp nọ, có một lão chủ nợ giàu có sống cuộc đời hạnh phúc bên vợ đẹp con ngoan. Một ngày kia, lão nhặt được một sợi tóc của một nhà tiên tri nào đó nhưng lại nổi lòng tham, không chịu đem trả mà quyết giữ làm của riêng. Cuối cùng thì lão này không chỉ bị phù nề toàn thân mà cả gia đình cũng tan tác tứ đàng. Bài học rút ra từ câu chuyện cổ tích đơn sơ này là chúng ta không nên tham lam vì tham lam sẽ bị bề trên quở phạt =))
À nhưng mà người kể chuyện là Salman Rushdie - ông già không sợ trời không sợ đất, bậc thầy chơi chữ và vận dụng bi hài kịch các kiểu, lại có phần trí trá và bẻm mép nên cóc có chuyện đơn sơ gì hết nhé =))
Ôi nói chung thích cuốn này ghê, mỗi tội ngắn quá đọc không đã =)))
À nhưng mà người kể chuyện là Salman Rushdie - ông già không sợ trời không sợ đất, bậc thầy chơi chữ và vận dụng bi hài kịch các kiểu, lại có phần trí trá và bẻm mép nên cóc có chuyện đơn sơ gì hết nhé =))
Ôi nói chung thích cuốn này ghê, mỗi tội ngắn quá đọc không đã =)))
May 25, 2013
The Prophet’s Hair is based around the religious tale of the theft of Muhammad’s hair. Much like The Monkey’s Paw by W.W. Jacobs, once one comes into contact with the relic of hair, those in possession of the relic would face wondrous or decimating events. Hashim the protagonist and main character happens upon the hair by accident. Like many humans ones possessions carry that possessiveness and greed for obtaining more, the same happens to Hashim the longer he carries the relic. Hashim soon becomes a religious hypocrite, claiming that he’s keeping it for an Islamic good—doing a favor, as well as an arrogant rich man. His son, Atta, knowing it’s destroying his father steals the lock of hair and tries to return it to the Mosque yet, fails. Huma, Hashim’s daughter, also realizing it needs to be returned, hires a thief to return the relic. However Hashim catches them, by Atta accidentally blowing their cover, and once finding out his daughter is behind it beats Huma to near death:
“Here [Atta] found his sister bruised and weeping in the hall; upstairs, in her bedroom, his mother wailed like a rand-new widow. He begged Huma to tell him what had happened, and when she replied that their father, returning from his brutal business trip, had once again noticed a glint of silver between boat and quay, had once again scooped up the errant relic, and was consequently in a rage to end all rages, having beaten the truth out of her—then Atta buried his face in his hands and sobbed out his opinion, which was that the hair was persecuting them, and had come back to finish the job”(3008).
Yet, despite all the commotion the thief manages to get away with the lock of hair. Eventually, the thief is caught, shot, and the relic returned to its rightful place in the Mosque; “The recovery of the prophet’s hair was announced at once on All-India Radio. One month later, the valley’s holiest men assembled at the Hazratbal mosque and formally authenticated the relic. It sits to this day in a closely guarded vault by the shores of the loveliest of lakes in the heart of the valley which was once closer than any other place on earth to Paradise”(3011). However, the thief’s four crippled sons and blind wife become cured from the relic only briefly being in contact with it, “But before our story can properly be concluded, it is necessary to record that when the four sons of the dead Sheikh awake on the morning of his death…they found that a miracle had occurred…they were all sound of limb and strong of wind…although her husband was dead she had regained her sight, so that it was possible for her to spend her last days gazing once more upon the beauties of valley of Kashmir” (3011).
The story holds many symbols, one importantly being that the hair was symbolized as a religious relic. It not only is considered a sacred object of the prophet Muhammad but, once lost causes riots and political ramifications and changes the families in ways that are often juxtaposed and bizarre: “The Thieves—no doubt alarmed by the pandemonium, by the procession through the streets of endless ululating crocodiles of lamentation, by the riots, the political ramifications and by the massive police search which was commanded and carried out by men whose entire careers now hung upon the finding of this lost hair…” (3005). Another symbol the relic could be discussed is how it was viewed as a secular object. The relic changes human being not the mean of itself.
Hashim, the moneylender, changes its sacred religious value to just an object, “Naturally, I don’t want it for its religious value...I’m a man of the world, of this world. I see it purely as a secular object of great rarity and blinding beauty. In short it’s the silver vial I desire, more than the hair” (3005). Yet, with that in the end, underestimating the relics worth and mystical power, leads Hashim’s family to tragedy.
Irony also plays a role within this story as well. What Hashim says and does are altogether different, he claims to live honorably (3005) yet, he isn’t worthy of honor because, he treats his debtors cruelly and without remorse when behind of payments as a first example, “That afternoon, a trembling debtor arrived at the house to confess his inability to pay the latest installment of interest owed, and made the mistake of reminding Hashim, in somewhat blustering fashion, of the Qur’an’s strictures against usery. The moneylender flew into a rage and attacked the fellow with one of his large collection of bullwhips” (3007). In reading it’s clear he’s a violent man and a bigot in contrast to the teaching of the Qur’an; he is a pious and abusive individual.
Rushdie mocks people of religion that uses it for their own personal gain as well as those motivated by material things. The story overall is a perfect more fable, one of how those who use religion should use it to their own selfish means; he tells of how we should live in a understanding and humbling mindset and lifestyle. However, if we succumb to our envious desires there will be consequences in return.
“Here [Atta] found his sister bruised and weeping in the hall; upstairs, in her bedroom, his mother wailed like a rand-new widow. He begged Huma to tell him what had happened, and when she replied that their father, returning from his brutal business trip, had once again noticed a glint of silver between boat and quay, had once again scooped up the errant relic, and was consequently in a rage to end all rages, having beaten the truth out of her—then Atta buried his face in his hands and sobbed out his opinion, which was that the hair was persecuting them, and had come back to finish the job”(3008).
Yet, despite all the commotion the thief manages to get away with the lock of hair. Eventually, the thief is caught, shot, and the relic returned to its rightful place in the Mosque; “The recovery of the prophet’s hair was announced at once on All-India Radio. One month later, the valley’s holiest men assembled at the Hazratbal mosque and formally authenticated the relic. It sits to this day in a closely guarded vault by the shores of the loveliest of lakes in the heart of the valley which was once closer than any other place on earth to Paradise”(3011). However, the thief’s four crippled sons and blind wife become cured from the relic only briefly being in contact with it, “But before our story can properly be concluded, it is necessary to record that when the four sons of the dead Sheikh awake on the morning of his death…they found that a miracle had occurred…they were all sound of limb and strong of wind…although her husband was dead she had regained her sight, so that it was possible for her to spend her last days gazing once more upon the beauties of valley of Kashmir” (3011).
The story holds many symbols, one importantly being that the hair was symbolized as a religious relic. It not only is considered a sacred object of the prophet Muhammad but, once lost causes riots and political ramifications and changes the families in ways that are often juxtaposed and bizarre: “The Thieves—no doubt alarmed by the pandemonium, by the procession through the streets of endless ululating crocodiles of lamentation, by the riots, the political ramifications and by the massive police search which was commanded and carried out by men whose entire careers now hung upon the finding of this lost hair…” (3005). Another symbol the relic could be discussed is how it was viewed as a secular object. The relic changes human being not the mean of itself.
Hashim, the moneylender, changes its sacred religious value to just an object, “Naturally, I don’t want it for its religious value...I’m a man of the world, of this world. I see it purely as a secular object of great rarity and blinding beauty. In short it’s the silver vial I desire, more than the hair” (3005). Yet, with that in the end, underestimating the relics worth and mystical power, leads Hashim’s family to tragedy.
Irony also plays a role within this story as well. What Hashim says and does are altogether different, he claims to live honorably (3005) yet, he isn’t worthy of honor because, he treats his debtors cruelly and without remorse when behind of payments as a first example, “That afternoon, a trembling debtor arrived at the house to confess his inability to pay the latest installment of interest owed, and made the mistake of reminding Hashim, in somewhat blustering fashion, of the Qur’an’s strictures against usery. The moneylender flew into a rage and attacked the fellow with one of his large collection of bullwhips” (3007). In reading it’s clear he’s a violent man and a bigot in contrast to the teaching of the Qur’an; he is a pious and abusive individual.
Rushdie mocks people of religion that uses it for their own personal gain as well as those motivated by material things. The story overall is a perfect more fable, one of how those who use religion should use it to their own selfish means; he tells of how we should live in a understanding and humbling mindset and lifestyle. However, if we succumb to our envious desires there will be consequences in return.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 15, 2018
4 Stars!
For a story I had to read for my studies I really enjoyed it, and the way in which it is written reminds me of the small stories Shazi tells Khalid in The Wrath & The Dawn.
For a story I had to read for my studies I really enjoyed it, and the way in which it is written reminds me of the small stories Shazi tells Khalid in The Wrath & The Dawn.
May 27, 2024
Me encantó leerla, estudiarla y aprender sobre el realismo mágico. Este verano me quiero leer más novelas/short stories suyas
September 8, 2013
This review was created as part of an English assignment, It expresses an opinion that is somewhat contrived so if you do not know who I am and are just looking at reviews, you can skip this one.
This story attempts to show the negative influence of religion on family, in a fictional setting that is not strictly confined to reality. The story is set in India, and is centered on a wealthy family that has the misfortune to come into the position of an ancient relic. This relic, which can be seen as a physical embodiment of the influence of Islam, ends up completely destroying the family and even destroys the family of a Sikh burglar who is also involved in the story. The relic influences the mind of the head of the household and causes him to become increasingly religious by making him act brutish and aggressive as he tries to force his new found orthodoxy on his family.
Salman Rushdie is famous for his negative portrayals of India and of Islam, that have caused may people to ban his books, and even threaten him. This story again is a slight against Islam. It seems to show only the negative influence, and even gets caught up in practices like praying five times a day, women covering their faces and burning non religious books, none of which were actually taught by Mohamed, who’s hair is supposedly causing it all. Even when, at the end of the story, the hair does cause a miracle and heals the burglar’s crippled sons, it has a negative impact. It is an ironic ending that once again shows how one sided and suborn the author’s views of religion are. Because of this, the attack doesn’t seem to me to be of much worth, and although I did not find it offensive, neither did I find it in any way thought provoking or convincing.
The language of story is rich, the plot less so and the characters, shallower still. Overall, this makes a fairly entertaining read, although not riveting. Descriptive language and a reasonably entertaining plot are able to carry the story as a piece of fiction, but not much more. I did not think reading this story was a waste of time, but I did not find it memorable either.
This story attempts to show the negative influence of religion on family, in a fictional setting that is not strictly confined to reality. The story is set in India, and is centered on a wealthy family that has the misfortune to come into the position of an ancient relic. This relic, which can be seen as a physical embodiment of the influence of Islam, ends up completely destroying the family and even destroys the family of a Sikh burglar who is also involved in the story. The relic influences the mind of the head of the household and causes him to become increasingly religious by making him act brutish and aggressive as he tries to force his new found orthodoxy on his family.
Salman Rushdie is famous for his negative portrayals of India and of Islam, that have caused may people to ban his books, and even threaten him. This story again is a slight against Islam. It seems to show only the negative influence, and even gets caught up in practices like praying five times a day, women covering their faces and burning non religious books, none of which were actually taught by Mohamed, who’s hair is supposedly causing it all. Even when, at the end of the story, the hair does cause a miracle and heals the burglar’s crippled sons, it has a negative impact. It is an ironic ending that once again shows how one sided and suborn the author’s views of religion are. Because of this, the attack doesn’t seem to me to be of much worth, and although I did not find it offensive, neither did I find it in any way thought provoking or convincing.
The language of story is rich, the plot less so and the characters, shallower still. Overall, this makes a fairly entertaining read, although not riveting. Descriptive language and a reasonably entertaining plot are able to carry the story as a piece of fiction, but not much more. I did not think reading this story was a waste of time, but I did not find it memorable either.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 17, 2018
This story is available online at https://www.lrb.co.uk/v03/n07/salman-... . I read somewhere that the inspiration for this story is that the real life Prophet's Hair relic kept at Hazratbal Mosque in Srinagar, Kashmir went missing in December 1963 and was retrieved about two weeks later.
While Rushdie's overly long sentances irritate me, this story is a beautiful example of storytelling, full of comedic tragedy, worthy of incorporation in 1001 Nights. Its core story is timeless, and would make a great oral rendition to adults and children alike. It is a moralistic fairy tale in which the theft of a religious relic brings catastrophe upon the greedy.
Hashim, the moneylender, is a collector of fine things. One day he finds a vial floating in the water. It contains a silver pendant bearing a single strand of human hair. It is the Prophet's Hair, stolen only the previous day from the Hazratbal mosque. However, the relic is cursed and it transforms the moneylender, changing his behaviour to such an extent that his family are very concerned. His son Atta and daughter Huma plan to remove the relic from thier father's possession. The 'Thief of Thieves' Shiekh Sín is hired to burglar their house and steal it from their father in return for Huma and her mother's jewelry.
Needless to say things do not go as planned. The curse reigns havoc and the members of both Hashim and Sín's families are affected by the relic's curse, but not all as not as deleteriously as one might expect! Some receiving just deserts and others some quiet surprising justice.
I read this story as part of Salman Rushdie's short story collection East, West. My Book Review
While Rushdie's overly long sentances irritate me, this story is a beautiful example of storytelling, full of comedic tragedy, worthy of incorporation in 1001 Nights. Its core story is timeless, and would make a great oral rendition to adults and children alike. It is a moralistic fairy tale in which the theft of a religious relic brings catastrophe upon the greedy.
Hashim, the moneylender, is a collector of fine things. One day he finds a vial floating in the water. It contains a silver pendant bearing a single strand of human hair. It is the Prophet's Hair, stolen only the previous day from the Hazratbal mosque. However, the relic is cursed and it transforms the moneylender, changing his behaviour to such an extent that his family are very concerned. His son Atta and daughter Huma plan to remove the relic from thier father's possession. The 'Thief of Thieves' Shiekh Sín is hired to burglar their house and steal it from their father in return for Huma and her mother's jewelry.
Needless to say things do not go as planned. The curse reigns havoc and the members of both Hashim and Sín's families are affected by the relic's curse, but not all as not as deleteriously as one might expect! Some receiving just deserts and others some quiet surprising justice.
I read this story as part of Salman Rushdie's short story collection East, West. My Book Review
May 10, 2021
This is a great short-story. I read it as part of my British Literature class (India being part of the British Empire) and really enjoyed it. My class discussed whether this work is a comedy or a tragedy, and in truth, it is both at the same time. The story follows the format of a tragedy, but it is not a story that will make you sad to read, and it is filled with situational irony. This hybrid of comedy and tragedy makes for an extremely entertaining story filled with twists and turns along the way.
June 26, 2013
This is the kind of story you find yourself going back to countless times, in an attempt to find out a new meaning. The symbolism used in the story is amazing and forces you to picturise the entire setting. A beautiful yet dark story which compels you to think about morality and the meaning of religion.
June 14, 2014
This was one of the better short stories I have read.
It was an easy read, and actually a pretty sound plot, despite being only a couple of pages long.
Worth a read.
It was an easy read, and actually a pretty sound plot, despite being only a couple of pages long.
Worth a read.
Read
November 23, 2023Chile anyways
Read
November 19, 2025India
November 3, 2024
that was insane
August 17, 2022
Un relato que se lee de una sentada sobre una reliquia religiosa y la familia que la encontró. Me encanta el humor del autor.
March 2, 2017
*4.5*
Oh God this was such an interesting and impactful short story!! I read it for school and really, really liked it. The writing style was flawless and so unicque.
And the story itself (despite the length) was so well done! It leaves you completely speechless, wondering.. Most of all, it reflects the current situation of the world which is like crazy important.
Oh God this was such an interesting and impactful short story!! I read it for school and really, really liked it. The writing style was flawless and so unicque.
And the story itself (despite the length) was so well done! It leaves you completely speechless, wondering.. Most of all, it reflects the current situation of the world which is like crazy important.
May 3, 2016
I loved this story for its hypocrisy, its sarcasm, its irony, its mythical magical realism, its play on religiosity, etc. From a writer's POV I loved the descriptive language and the vivid storytelling. This is totally a weird story but in the best of ways.
February 20, 2018
A feeling of impending doom
The story is one about the consequences of finding a stolen religious relic. Repercussions fall on believer and non-believer alike in this beautifully written short story.
The story is one about the consequences of finding a stolen religious relic. Repercussions fall on believer and non-believer alike in this beautifully written short story.
November 3, 2013
Read for university.
April 30, 2025
An early short from Rushdie, who was still clearly learning his craft. It's very much in the style of Arabian Nights, albeit in a modern setting, with characters including thieves, moneylenders, and their children. Worth reading if you're a Rushdie completist.
It's also worth noting that the version in East, West is easier to read, although Rushdie hated it. The later editors changed the punctuation significantly: the original has very long sentences, while the East, West version has much shorter ones. The long sentences are interesting stylistically, but they come across as Rushdie trying to be too flowery and, in my opinion, get in the way of the story.
It's also worth noting that the version in East, West is easier to read, although Rushdie hated it. The later editors changed the punctuation significantly: the original has very long sentences, while the East, West version has much shorter ones. The long sentences are interesting stylistically, but they come across as Rushdie trying to be too flowery and, in my opinion, get in the way of the story.
March 27, 2020
The Prophet's Hair, how to critique it and make a criticism of it? It is just a matter of explanation and reading; a criticism of the excesses we do rather than going into deep what it is faith, what it is religion. The story is just like that of Tolstoy. Where is real virtues? Who is really holy and pious? what does the word piety mean it? Is it religious practices and rites, faiths and beliefs? Is it in service? Is it in the purity of heart? There is something of The Canterbury Tales and Murder in the Cathedral. How does the hair change his life as well as claim his life too?
August 17, 2022
I really only bought this short story out of spite, because of the attack on Rushdie (because, honestly, one does NOT attack an author), but I'd never read anything by him before, as I just wasn't interested. Now, I can see that I missed out. Rushdie clearly is a master storyteller. He knows how to craft a good story, but more importantly, he has such an enchanting voice. His style is absolutely mesmerising, and as I read the story I felt as if I were transported to a different world.
I'll definitely want to read more of his books now.
I'll definitely want to read more of his books now.
December 16, 2021
A gem of a story
All great tales are moral tales and all great short stories make work a bit to uncover their moral message. This story has done just that for me - left me searching for its deep meaning after finishing it. Add to that the wonderful writing (not just the masterful turn of phrase, but also the pace and cadence - I will read it again, out loud) and you will see why I called it a gem of a story.
All great tales are moral tales and all great short stories make work a bit to uncover their moral message. This story has done just that for me - left me searching for its deep meaning after finishing it. Add to that the wonderful writing (not just the masterful turn of phrase, but also the pace and cadence - I will read it again, out loud) and you will see why I called it a gem of a story.
April 21, 2021
This is the last short story I had to read for my last literature course before graduating. What a story! What prose! It felt like a fairy tale from 1001 Nights and also a magical realism sort of story. Would definitely recommend to folklore lovers and to people who like magical realism. You can find it online to read easily, and it's only about 9 pages long.
May 7, 2021
This was INSANE. There hasn't been a single story that has shocked me so much and yet kept me so intrigued at the same time.
I love magical realism.
This is so, so good. I understand why it is a controversial and banned book in many Asian countries. I admire your courage to speak of these things, Rushdie.
I love magical realism.
This is so, so good. I understand why it is a controversial and banned book in many Asian countries. I admire your courage to speak of these things, Rushdie.
August 2, 2022
Different
I’ve never read anything by Salman Rushdie only know of him from the threats around his novel, “Satanic Versus”. This was quite different, the formal or period word choices, the feel of a very old school fable - with a lesson that leaves room for discussion.
I’ve never read anything by Salman Rushdie only know of him from the threats around his novel, “Satanic Versus”. This was quite different, the formal or period word choices, the feel of a very old school fable - with a lesson that leaves room for discussion.
April 23, 2025
Una pequeña sátira en la que se nos pone frente a la religión, supersticiones y materialismo que, a veces, nos llevan a situaciones en las que se ejerce poder y control sobre los demás. Ironía y humor negro de la mano en una historia breve que me ha gustado mucho.
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