Idries Shah (1924-1996) was an author and teacher in the Sufi tradition, born in British India to an Afghan noble family and a Scottish mother, though he primarily grew up in England. He authored over three dozen books exploring psychology, spirituality, culture, and travelogues, often framing Sufism as a universal, adaptable form of wisdom predating Islam. Shah utilized traditional teaching stories and parables, aiming to foster insight and self-reflection. He founded Octagon Press in 1960 to publish translations of Sufi classics and his own works, notably his influential 1964 book, 'The Sufis.'

Shah also established educational charities like the Institute for Cultural Research in London and the Institute for the Study of Human Knowledge in the U.S. His approach to presenting Sufism emphasized its relevance to contemporary Western audiences, often using psychological terminology and avoiding overt religious associations. Despite facing some criticism from orientalists regarding his background, Shah gained recognition as a significant voice for Sufism in the West, lecturing at universities and influencing perceptions of spiritual wisdom. He is particularly remembered for his collections of humorous Mulla Nasrudin stories.

Idries Shah was born in Simla, British India, to an Afghan father, Sirdar Ikbal Ali Shah, a writer and diplomat, and a Scottish mother, Saira Elizabeth Luiza Shah. His paternal lineage traced back to Afghan nobility, with ancestral ties near Kabul. His grandfather held the title of nawab in Sardhana, India. Shah spent his formative years largely in the vicinity of London, England. His father's diplomatic and Sufi work involved extensive travel, which Shah often accompanied from a young age. This upbringing exposed him to diverse individuals and cultures, fostering a broad, international perspective. He described this as a "Sufi approach" to education, designed to provide a "multiplicity of impacts" for well-rounded development. After moving to Oxford to escape wartime bombing, he briefly attended the City of Oxford High School for Boys.

Shah established Octagon Press in 1960, a publishing house dedicated to making Sufi classics accessible, alongside his own writings. His seminal work, "The Sufis" (1964), introduced Sufism to a Western audience, presenting it as a universal wisdom tradition that influenced Western civilization. He consciously avoided linking his interpretation directly to Islam, framing it instead in Western psychological terms and emphasizing its adaptability to the present time and culture. Shah frequently employed traditional teaching stories and parables, designed with multiple layers of meaning to encourage reader insight. He also founded the Institute for Cultural Research in London and later the Institute for the Study of Human Knowledge in the U.S., focused on studying human behavior and culture. His collections of Mulla Nasrudin stories became particularly well-known for their humor and underlying wisdom.

Shah's teachings and writings positioned Sufism as a non-dogmatic, universally applicable spiritual path accessible to individuals regardless of their religious background. He became a recognized spokesman for Sufism in the West, lecturing at various universities. While some orientalists questioned his credentials, he also garnered significant support from notable figures, including novelist Doris Lessing. Shah's work aimed to "de-condition people" by presenting ideas in unconventional ways, as seen in the deliberately "scattered" style of "The Sufis." His efforts played a key role in shaping the perception of Sufism in Western societies as a practical and relevant form of spiritual development.