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Mulla Nasrudin
The World of Nasrudin
. with dw, 2003, 450pp
- GenresReligionPsychologyIslam
450 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2002
10 people are currently reading
71 people want to read
About the author
Idries Shah
244 books423 followersIdries Shah (Persian: ادریس شاه), also known as Idris Shah, né Sayed Idries el-Hashimi (Arabic: سيد إدريس هاشمي), was an author and teacher in the Sufi tradition who wrote over three dozen critically acclaimed books on topics ranging from psychology and spirituality to travelogues and culture studies.
Born in India, the descendant of a family of Afghan nobles, Shah grew up mainly in England. His early writings centred on magic and witchcraft. In 1960 he established a publishing house, Octagon Press, producing translations of Sufi classics as well as titles of his own. His most seminal work was The Sufis, which appeared in 1964 and was well received internationally. In 1965, Shah founded the Institute for Cultural Research, a London-based educational charity devoted to the study of human behaviour and culture. A similar organisation, the Institute for the Study of Human Knowledge (ISHK), exists in the United States, under the directorship of Stanford University psychology professor Robert Ornstein, whom Shah appointed as his deputy in the U.S.
In his writings, Shah presented Sufism as a universal form of wisdom that predated Islam. Emphasising that Sufism was not static but always adapted itself to the current time, place and people, he framed his teaching in Western psychological terms. Shah made extensive use of traditional teaching stories and parables, texts that contained multiple layers of meaning designed to trigger insight and self-reflection in the reader. He is perhaps best known for his collections of humorous Mulla Nasrudin stories.
Shah was at times criticised by orientalists who questioned his credentials and background. His role in the controversy surrounding a new translation of the Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam, published by his friend Robert Graves and his older brother Omar Ali-Shah, came in for particular scrutiny. However, he also had many notable defenders, chief among them the novelist Doris Lessing. Shah came to be recognised as a spokesman for Sufism in the West and lectured as a visiting professor at a number of Western universities. His works have played a significant part in presenting Sufism as a secular, individualistic form of spiritual wisdom.
Idries Shah's books on Sufism achieved considerable critical acclaim. He was the subject of a BBC documentary ("One Pair of Eyes") in 1969, and two of his works (The Way of the Sufi and Reflections) were chosen as "Outstanding Book of the Year" by the BBC's "The Critics" programme. Among other honours, Shah won six first prizes at the UNESCO World Book Year in 1973, and the Islamic scholar James Kritzeck, commenting on Shah's Tales of the Dervishes, said that it was "beautifully translated".
The reception of Shah's movement was also marked by much controversy. Some orientalists were hostile, in part because Shah presented classical Sufi writings as tools for self-development to be used by contemporary people, rather than as objects of historical study. L. P. Elwell-Sutton from Edinburgh University, Shah's fiercest critic, described his books as "trivial", replete with errors of fact, slovenly and inaccurate translations and even misspellings of Oriental names and words – "a muddle of platitudes, irrelevancies and plain mumbo-jumbo", adding for good measure that Shah had "a remarkable opinion of his own importance". Expressing amusement and amazement at the "sycophantic manner" of Shah's interlocutors in a BBC radio interview, Elwell-Sutton concluded that some Western intellectuals were "so desperate to find answers to the questions that baffle them, that, confronted with wisdom from 'the mysterious East,' they abandon their critical faculties and submit to brainwashing of the crudest kind". To Elwell-Sutton, Shah's Sufism belonged to the realm of "Pseudo-Sufism", "centred not on God but on man."
Doris Lessing, one of Shah's greatest defenders,stated in a 1981 interview: "I found Sufism as taught by Idries Shah, which claim
Born in India, the descendant of a family of Afghan nobles, Shah grew up mainly in England. His early writings centred on magic and witchcraft. In 1960 he established a publishing house, Octagon Press, producing translations of Sufi classics as well as titles of his own. His most seminal work was The Sufis, which appeared in 1964 and was well received internationally. In 1965, Shah founded the Institute for Cultural Research, a London-based educational charity devoted to the study of human behaviour and culture. A similar organisation, the Institute for the Study of Human Knowledge (ISHK), exists in the United States, under the directorship of Stanford University psychology professor Robert Ornstein, whom Shah appointed as his deputy in the U.S.
In his writings, Shah presented Sufism as a universal form of wisdom that predated Islam. Emphasising that Sufism was not static but always adapted itself to the current time, place and people, he framed his teaching in Western psychological terms. Shah made extensive use of traditional teaching stories and parables, texts that contained multiple layers of meaning designed to trigger insight and self-reflection in the reader. He is perhaps best known for his collections of humorous Mulla Nasrudin stories.
Shah was at times criticised by orientalists who questioned his credentials and background. His role in the controversy surrounding a new translation of the Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam, published by his friend Robert Graves and his older brother Omar Ali-Shah, came in for particular scrutiny. However, he also had many notable defenders, chief among them the novelist Doris Lessing. Shah came to be recognised as a spokesman for Sufism in the West and lectured as a visiting professor at a number of Western universities. His works have played a significant part in presenting Sufism as a secular, individualistic form of spiritual wisdom.
Idries Shah's books on Sufism achieved considerable critical acclaim. He was the subject of a BBC documentary ("One Pair of Eyes") in 1969, and two of his works (The Way of the Sufi and Reflections) were chosen as "Outstanding Book of the Year" by the BBC's "The Critics" programme. Among other honours, Shah won six first prizes at the UNESCO World Book Year in 1973, and the Islamic scholar James Kritzeck, commenting on Shah's Tales of the Dervishes, said that it was "beautifully translated".
The reception of Shah's movement was also marked by much controversy. Some orientalists were hostile, in part because Shah presented classical Sufi writings as tools for self-development to be used by contemporary people, rather than as objects of historical study. L. P. Elwell-Sutton from Edinburgh University, Shah's fiercest critic, described his books as "trivial", replete with errors of fact, slovenly and inaccurate translations and even misspellings of Oriental names and words – "a muddle of platitudes, irrelevancies and plain mumbo-jumbo", adding for good measure that Shah had "a remarkable opinion of his own importance". Expressing amusement and amazement at the "sycophantic manner" of Shah's interlocutors in a BBC radio interview, Elwell-Sutton concluded that some Western intellectuals were "so desperate to find answers to the questions that baffle them, that, confronted with wisdom from 'the mysterious East,' they abandon their critical faculties and submit to brainwashing of the crudest kind". To Elwell-Sutton, Shah's Sufism belonged to the realm of "Pseudo-Sufism", "centred not on God but on man."
Doris Lessing, one of Shah's greatest defenders,stated in a 1981 interview: "I found Sufism as taught by Idries Shah, which claim
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
July 15, 2020
NASRUDIN’S upside down world is filled with fanatics, bigots, idiots, hypocrites, incompetents, innocents and thieves. It is a world of foible, folly and most importantly humour. It reveals the good sense and wisdom of Eastern cultures that we stereotype and assume we know. This fourth collection can be read at many levels: for fun, to shock us into thinking, to provoke our reactions and observations or for its thought patterns to register and later recognize. Apparently nonsensical and easily dismissed, is this book merely a funhouse mirror or does it accurately reflect our world, who we are, and who we might become? If you take the time to gaze into it, you may find out.
Here are two samples:
MUTUAL RESPECT ‘Hey Nasrudin!’ called the Mulla’s wife. ‘we must hurry or we’ll be late for the mayor’s funeral.’
‘Why should I bother to attend his funeral?’ replied her husband. ‘He certainly won’t trouble to come to mine.’
SIMPLE ARITHMETIC Nasrudin was taking his goat to market to sell. ‘Are you asking much?’ asked his neighbour.
‘Two pieces of gold,’ replied the Mulla ‘although I bought it for one and perhaps someone will buy it for three. If you would like it, I could let you have it for less.’
‘How much?’
‘Well, as we’ve established, it is worth six, but I could sell it to you for five. ‘
Here are two samples:
MUTUAL RESPECT ‘Hey Nasrudin!’ called the Mulla’s wife. ‘we must hurry or we’ll be late for the mayor’s funeral.’
‘Why should I bother to attend his funeral?’ replied her husband. ‘He certainly won’t trouble to come to mine.’
SIMPLE ARITHMETIC Nasrudin was taking his goat to market to sell. ‘Are you asking much?’ asked his neighbour.
‘Two pieces of gold,’ replied the Mulla ‘although I bought it for one and perhaps someone will buy it for three. If you would like it, I could let you have it for less.’
‘How much?’
‘Well, as we’ve established, it is worth six, but I could sell it to you for five. ‘
March 31, 2015
This is the fourth collection of Mulla Nasrudin jokes and stories published by Idries Shah, and contains hundreds of anecdotes of this 'wise fool' teaching figure. While simply entertaining and enjoyable, the stories also appear to be used in Sufi study as a means of showing 'the antics of the mind' in various situations: so that one can get a glimpse of how one's own mind behaves. This can lead to altered, often more effective, behaviour. The World of Nasrudin is a rich tome of fun and wisdom.
December 25, 2016
So precious teaching from Sufi wisdom! I am aware I still have a long long way towards this kind of evolution , and know almost nothing , but I am struggling to assimilate it as well.
After reading the 99 tales , the writer does some useful comments , explanations and advices.
After reading the 99 tales , the writer does some useful comments , explanations and advices.
April 16, 2019
An interwoven set of teaching tales about that medieaval joker, Mulla Nasruddin. Each presents a prism on reality - they all add up to help see the world that much better. A great antidote to the silo-like manias of today's digital technology pronunciations of opinion.
August 18, 2021
Welcome to the World of Nasrudin.
A fabulous collection. Nasrudin has a delayed fuse.
JALIZ THE EAGLE.. Page one seven nine... Octagon edition.
'One day Nasrudin was invited to join a gathering of religious leaders. The revered men took great delight in showing off their own knowledge of Islam. One speculated about the colour of the prophet's horse, another about the favourite food of the angels. A third gave an extremely long-winded account of the creation of the world, and a fourth a detailed dscription of Heaven. Finally, Nasrudin could stand the men's conceit no longer.
'Jaliz!' he boomed much to the amazement of the spiritual leaders. 'Is that a name, Mulla?'asked one. 'Of course!' exclaimed the Mulla, 'I'm surprised you need to ask. That was the name of the eagle that swooped down and carried off Moses.'But there is no record of Moses being carried off by a bird,' clamoured the gathering.'Then Jaliz is the name of the eagle that swooped down and didn't carry off Moses ,' said Nasrudin with a haughty look. Thanks to the library angel for the above. 1st Feb 2020.
Lucky Escape. Page two hundred and seven - from an older review. 'Nasrudin became so hot when chopping wood that he took off his turban and put it on a wall overlooking the valley below. Seconds later an eagle swooped down and carried off the fabric.
' What a lucky escape!' stammered the the Mulla. 'A few seconds later and I too would have been carried off by the bird.'' Page 289. Preservng The Fish. Nasrudin was crossing the ocean when another passenger turned to him: 'The captain tels me you have travelled far and wide so tell me why is the sea so salty?' Because it is regularly sprinkled with salt so the fish don't go bad,' Nasrudin swifly replied?
A fabulous collection. Nasrudin has a delayed fuse.
JALIZ THE EAGLE.. Page one seven nine... Octagon edition.
'One day Nasrudin was invited to join a gathering of religious leaders. The revered men took great delight in showing off their own knowledge of Islam. One speculated about the colour of the prophet's horse, another about the favourite food of the angels. A third gave an extremely long-winded account of the creation of the world, and a fourth a detailed dscription of Heaven. Finally, Nasrudin could stand the men's conceit no longer.
'Jaliz!' he boomed much to the amazement of the spiritual leaders. 'Is that a name, Mulla?'asked one. 'Of course!' exclaimed the Mulla, 'I'm surprised you need to ask. That was the name of the eagle that swooped down and carried off Moses.'But there is no record of Moses being carried off by a bird,' clamoured the gathering.'Then Jaliz is the name of the eagle that swooped down and didn't carry off Moses ,' said Nasrudin with a haughty look. Thanks to the library angel for the above. 1st Feb 2020.
Lucky Escape. Page two hundred and seven - from an older review. 'Nasrudin became so hot when chopping wood that he took off his turban and put it on a wall overlooking the valley below. Seconds later an eagle swooped down and carried off the fabric.
' What a lucky escape!' stammered the the Mulla. 'A few seconds later and I too would have been carried off by the bird.'' Page 289. Preservng The Fish. Nasrudin was crossing the ocean when another passenger turned to him: 'The captain tels me you have travelled far and wide so tell me why is the sea so salty?' Because it is regularly sprinkled with salt so the fish don't go bad,' Nasrudin swifly replied?
November 3, 2017
Very funny! And interesting! These tales have a great rereading value.
May 27, 2021
A Bible for Nasrudin's fans!
February 11, 2025
Once upon a time very little was known about Mulla Nasrudin, the folk hero of the East, said to have been the wisest fool that ever lived.
Until Idries Shah wrote and compiled 450 stories that bring laughter at all times, and offer their hidden wisdom once readers begin to discover the real, multiple value, of this panoply of themes.
Whether the Mulla argues with his wife, or complaints about a neighbour, or attacks openly none other than Tamerlane, the Mongol King, daring to risk his life, even aware of his very short temper and how he dealt with servants, Visirs, Magnates, the poor; children that throw stones at the Mulla, friends he meets in the tea house, demonstrating both his knowledge and amusing the crowds.
In our house we read one story every day of the year as we find them so enriching, vibrant, extremely funny as entertainment and equally as an antidote against any daily problems, circumstances, worldly anxieties, etc…
I highly recommend this book for all its deep virtues and the quality of real stories masterly written by Shah.
Until Idries Shah wrote and compiled 450 stories that bring laughter at all times, and offer their hidden wisdom once readers begin to discover the real, multiple value, of this panoply of themes.
Whether the Mulla argues with his wife, or complaints about a neighbour, or attacks openly none other than Tamerlane, the Mongol King, daring to risk his life, even aware of his very short temper and how he dealt with servants, Visirs, Magnates, the poor; children that throw stones at the Mulla, friends he meets in the tea house, demonstrating both his knowledge and amusing the crowds.
In our house we read one story every day of the year as we find them so enriching, vibrant, extremely funny as entertainment and equally as an antidote against any daily problems, circumstances, worldly anxieties, etc…
I highly recommend this book for all its deep virtues and the quality of real stories masterly written by Shah.
December 10, 2024
447 Pages worth of stories about foolishness and stupidity.
One story more powerful than the one before.
Almost all the possible logical biases and cognitive bias codex is explained in great detail using simple short stories.
The only other collection that parallels the kind of wisdom imparted with short stories is that of ASESOP FABLES and Panchatantra Stories.
I think I will be reading more from the same series.
One story more powerful than the one before.
Almost all the possible logical biases and cognitive bias codex is explained in great detail using simple short stories.
The only other collection that parallels the kind of wisdom imparted with short stories is that of ASESOP FABLES and Panchatantra Stories.
I think I will be reading more from the same series.
April 19, 2020
That’s a lot of stories! Many of them are funny, but not all of them. I found that reading one and then spending some minutes turning it over in my mind allowed me to see some different possible meanings in the story, as well as producing a kind of quieting and meditative effect.
February 19, 2020
Welcome to the World of Nasrudin.
A fabulous collection. Nasrudin has a delayed fuse.
JALIZ THE EAGLE.. Page one seven nine... Octagon edition.
'One day Nasrudin was invited to join a gathering of religious leaders. The revered men took great delight in showing off their own knowledge of Islam. One speculated about the colour of the prophet's horse, another about the favourite food of the angels. A third gave an extremely long-winded account of the creation of the world, and a fourth a detailed dscription of Heaven. Finally, Nasrudin could stand the men's conceit no longer.
'Jaliz!' he boomed much to the amazement of the spiritual leaders.
Is that a name, Mulla?'asked one.
'Of course!' exclaimed the Mulla, 'I'm surprised you need to ask. That was the name of the eagle that swooped down and carried off Moses.
'But there is no record of Moses being carried off by a bird,' clamoured the gathering.
'Then Jaliz is the name of the eagle that swooped down and didn't carry off Moses ,' said Nasrudin with a haughty look.
Thanks to the library angel for the above. 1st Feb/2020.
Lucky Escape. Page two hundred and seven - from an older review.
'Nasrudin became so hot when chopping wood that he took off his turban and put it on a wall overlooking the valley below. Seconds later an eagle swooped down and carried off the fabric.
' What a lucky escape!' stammered the the Mulla. 'A few seconds later and I too would have been carried off by the bird.''
A fabulous collection. Nasrudin has a delayed fuse.
JALIZ THE EAGLE.. Page one seven nine... Octagon edition.
'One day Nasrudin was invited to join a gathering of religious leaders. The revered men took great delight in showing off their own knowledge of Islam. One speculated about the colour of the prophet's horse, another about the favourite food of the angels. A third gave an extremely long-winded account of the creation of the world, and a fourth a detailed dscription of Heaven. Finally, Nasrudin could stand the men's conceit no longer.
'Jaliz!' he boomed much to the amazement of the spiritual leaders.
Is that a name, Mulla?'asked one.
'Of course!' exclaimed the Mulla, 'I'm surprised you need to ask. That was the name of the eagle that swooped down and carried off Moses.
'But there is no record of Moses being carried off by a bird,' clamoured the gathering.
'Then Jaliz is the name of the eagle that swooped down and didn't carry off Moses ,' said Nasrudin with a haughty look.
Thanks to the library angel for the above. 1st Feb/2020.
Lucky Escape. Page two hundred and seven - from an older review.
'Nasrudin became so hot when chopping wood that he took off his turban and put it on a wall overlooking the valley below. Seconds later an eagle swooped down and carried off the fabric.
' What a lucky escape!' stammered the the Mulla. 'A few seconds later and I too would have been carried off by the bird.''
April 30, 2020
Like the other books in the Nasrudin series, this is a compilation of "jokes" featuring the enigmatic figure of Mulla Nasrudin. Some of the stories make quite amusing jokes in the familiar sense, others are bemusing anecdotes that take your mind in unexpected directions and have no obvious punch line - but don't bother trying to "puzzle out" the meaning of the enigmatic ones! This is the kind of book you'll want to dip into again and again over the years.
October 25, 2022
Geniale!
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews