This article is a controversial issue. Arguments pro et con with regard to actual Idries Shah stature can be seen at the
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.
Idries Shah had several children. One of them, Saira Shah reported on women's rights in Afghanistan with her documentary Behind the Veil.
According to the obituary written by his supporters, Idries Shah was a founding member of the Club of Rome, the founder of Octagon Press, a collaborator with Mujahuddin in the Afghan-Russian war, a Director of Studies for the Institute for Cultural Research, and a Governor of the Royal Humane Society and the Royal Hospital and Home for Incurables, among other accomplishments.
