Idries Shah greatly extended the western knowledge of the sufi teachings. He had profound influence on several intellectuals, notably Doris Lessing. His definition of Sufism was liberal in that he was of the opinion that it predated Islam and did not depend on the Quran, but was universal in source, scope and relevance. He maintained that spiritual teachings should be presented in forms and terms that are familiar in the community where they are to take root. He believed that students should be given work based on their individual capacities, and rejected systems that apply the same exercises to all. In his own work he used teaching stories, and humour, to great effect.

Partial Bibliography

• Sufism:
  • The Sufis ISBN 0385079664
  • The Way of the Sufi ISBN 0900860804
  • Tales of the Dervishes ISBN 0900860472
  • The Book of the Book ISBN 090086012X
  • Neglected Aspects of Sufi Study ISBN 0900860561
  • Sufi Thought and Action ISBN 0863040519
• Philosophy:
  • Knowing how to know ISBN 0863040721
  • The Commanding Self ISBN 0863040667
  • Learning How to Learn - Psychology and Spirituality in the Sufi Way ISBN 0900860596
  • The Elephant in the Dark - Christianity, Islam and The Sufis ISBN 0900860367
  • Thinkers of the East - Studies in Experientialism ISBN 0900860464
  • Reflections ISBN 0900860073
  • A Veiled Gazelle - Seeing How to See ISBN 0900860588
  • Seeker After Truth - A Handbook ISBN 090086091X