What do you think?
Rate this book
Fatima the Spinner and the Tent
Presents the Sufi teaching tale of Fatima, a woman who learns the arts of spinning, weaving, and mast-making after a series of unfortunate events, but whose skills eventually lead her to happiness.
32 pages, Hardcover
First published March 1, 2006
About the author
Idries Shah
539 books445 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
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
March 2, 2020
A young woman named Fatima experiences the up and downs of fortune in this Sufi teaching tale from Turkey, learning a number of skills that eventually stand her in good stead. The daughter of a prosperous spinner, who taught her his craft, she sets out on a voyage with her father, only to lose him, and everything else she holds dear, in a terrible shipwreck. Adopted by a kind family, she learns to weave, only to see this new life taken from her as well, when she is captured by slavers. Bought by a kindly mast-maker, she learns his trade as well, eventually setting out on a voyage to Java, to sell his masts. When yet another disaster strikes, and Fatima finds herself bereft once more, she questions the many misfortunes that have befallen her. But when these skills help her to fulfill a prophecy given to the Emperor of China, and bring her good fortune and happiness, the pattern of her life takes on a new meaning...
Originally credited to Sheikh Mohamed Jamaludin of Adrianople (Edirne, in modern-day Turkey) - apparently there are variants known in Greek folklore as well - this story was included in Idries Shah's 1967 Tales of the Dervishes: Teaching Stories of the Sufi Masters Over the Past Thousand Years , and highlights an important lesson about misfortune, and its role in promoting those qualities which will eventually lead to happiness. Presented here in picture-book form, with appealing artwork by Natasha Delmar, who also illustrated Shah's The Old Woman and the Eagle - I particularly like the use of color, and of decorative borders and other elements - Fatima the Spinner and the Tent is an engaging book, one I would recommend to young folklore enthusiasts, and to any picture-book readers who enjoy adventure stories.
Originally credited to Sheikh Mohamed Jamaludin of Adrianople (Edirne, in modern-day Turkey) - apparently there are variants known in Greek folklore as well - this story was included in Idries Shah's 1967 Tales of the Dervishes: Teaching Stories of the Sufi Masters Over the Past Thousand Years , and highlights an important lesson about misfortune, and its role in promoting those qualities which will eventually lead to happiness. Presented here in picture-book form, with appealing artwork by Natasha Delmar, who also illustrated Shah's The Old Woman and the Eagle - I particularly like the use of color, and of decorative borders and other elements - Fatima the Spinner and the Tent is an engaging book, one I would recommend to young folklore enthusiasts, and to any picture-book readers who enjoy adventure stories.
October 20, 2016
If you want a bit of perspective, this offering of another story from the Sufi oral tradition is a winner. Fatima's ability to continue to pick herself up, dust herself off, and face down the world again was like a breath of fresh air for me. It was the perfect last read of the day for me because the meditation it brought on when I turned out the lights was powerful!
February 8, 2018
A wonderful tale full of hope and wisdom
March 18, 2022
Fatima, the Spinner and the Tent Sufi Folktale by Idries Shah, Illustrator Natasta Delmar- Children’s Illustrated Colour Picture Book- The book narrates the story of a young girl named Fatima daughter of a rich cotton spinner merchant. She and her father set on a sea voyage to far of lands to sell their goods and also travel with the intention that if they find a suitable young man, she could be married to him. Fatima is trained in cotton spinning and weaving. The ship journey begins but the storm breaks the ship. Her father succumbs to death while she is thrown on the shore of a city by the waves. Fatima is adopted by another weaver’s family where see learns more skills. One day while walking on the sea coast she is captured by the slave traders, taken to Istanbul and sold to another mast maker and trader. This family business is ruined, therefore, they travel to Java by sea to sell the masts manufactured by them. Another disaster strikes and the ship is sunk. Fatima finds herself on the coast of China. In China, a fortune teller has informed the Emperor that a girl will come from sea who will be able to construct a large and beautiful tent for him. Fatima uses her skills of cotton spinning, weaving, mast making to develop and raise a large tent with a beautiful designed cloth. Emperor views the tent, he is satisfied by the prophesy and marries his son with Fatima. Thus even after so many misfortunes, the pattern of her life takes on a new meaning. Coloured illustrations help the reader to relate to the narrative. I have read the Hindi language translation of this book.
May 26, 2017
Fatima’s life is beset with what seem to be disasters. Her journey leads her from Morocco to the Mediterranean, Egypt, Turkey and, finally, to China. It is in China that she realizes that what seemed at the time to be really unfortunate events became an integral part of her eventual fulfillment.
This Teaching-Story is well known in Greek folklore, but this version is attributed to the Sheikh Mohamed Jamaludin of Adrianople (modern-day Edirne) in Turkey, who died in 1750.
For more than 30 years Idries Shah's collections of Teaching-Stories and narratives from the Sufi tradition have captivated the hearts and minds of people from all walks of life. Shah selected the majority of these tales from oral sources. They are repeated in homes, courts and caravanserais throughout the Middle East and Central Asia.
See other books in our Folktales from Islamic Traditions booklist here:
https://kitaabworld.com/blogs/news/fo...
This Teaching-Story is well known in Greek folklore, but this version is attributed to the Sheikh Mohamed Jamaludin of Adrianople (modern-day Edirne) in Turkey, who died in 1750.
For more than 30 years Idries Shah's collections of Teaching-Stories and narratives from the Sufi tradition have captivated the hearts and minds of people from all walks of life. Shah selected the majority of these tales from oral sources. They are repeated in homes, courts and caravanserais throughout the Middle East and Central Asia.
See other books in our Folktales from Islamic Traditions booklist here:
https://kitaabworld.com/blogs/news/fo...
May 26, 2017
Fatima’s life is beset with what seem to be disasters. Her journey leads her from Morocco to the Mediterranean, Egypt, Turkey and, finally, to China. It is in China that she realizes that what seemed at the time to be really unfortunate events became an integral part of her eventual fulfillment.
This Teaching-Story is well known in Greek folklore, but this version is attributed to the Sheikh Mohamed Jamaludin of Adrianople (modern-day Edirne) in Turkey, who died in 1750.
For more than 30 years Idries Shah's collections of Teaching-Stories and narratives from the Sufi tradition have captivated the hearts and minds of people from all walks of life. Shah selected the majority of these tales from oral sources. They are repeated in homes, courts and caravanserais throughout the Middle East and Central Asia.
See other books in our Folktales from Islamic Traditions booklist here:
https://kitaabworld.com/blogs/news/fo...
This Teaching-Story is well known in Greek folklore, but this version is attributed to the Sheikh Mohamed Jamaludin of Adrianople (modern-day Edirne) in Turkey, who died in 1750.
For more than 30 years Idries Shah's collections of Teaching-Stories and narratives from the Sufi tradition have captivated the hearts and minds of people from all walks of life. Shah selected the majority of these tales from oral sources. They are repeated in homes, courts and caravanserais throughout the Middle East and Central Asia.
See other books in our Folktales from Islamic Traditions booklist here:
https://kitaabworld.com/blogs/news/fo...
May 26, 2017
Fatima’s life is beset with what seem to be disasters. Her journey leads her from Morocco to the Mediterranean, Egypt, Turkey and, finally, to China. It is in China that she realizes that what seemed at the time to be really unfortunate events became an integral part of her eventual fulfillment.
This Teaching-Story is well known in Greek folklore, but this version is attributed to the Sheikh Mohamed Jamaludin of Adrianople (modern-day Edirne) in Turkey, who died in 1750.
For more than 30 years Idries Shah's collections of Teaching-Stories and narratives from the Sufi tradition have captivated the hearts and minds of people from all walks of life. Shah selected the majority of these tales from oral sources. They are repeated in homes, courts and caravanserais throughout the Middle East and Central Asia.
See other books in our Folktales from Islamic Traditions booklist here:
https://kitaabworld.com/blogs/news/fo...
This Teaching-Story is well known in Greek folklore, but this version is attributed to the Sheikh Mohamed Jamaludin of Adrianople (modern-day Edirne) in Turkey, who died in 1750.
For more than 30 years Idries Shah's collections of Teaching-Stories and narratives from the Sufi tradition have captivated the hearts and minds of people from all walks of life. Shah selected the majority of these tales from oral sources. They are repeated in homes, courts and caravanserais throughout the Middle East and Central Asia.
See other books in our Folktales from Islamic Traditions booklist here:
https://kitaabworld.com/blogs/news/fo...
March 23, 2018
Unexpectedly good. Reminded me one of sufi folkfore : The lost horse.
If someone complained about something in his life, the villager will say "how do you know it is a misfortune?” If anyone become overjoyed, he asked: “how do you know it is a blessing?"
Because blessing and misfortune sometimes comes together; it also can be part of God's grand plan for the person greater destiny.
If someone complained about something in his life, the villager will say "how do you know it is a misfortune?” If anyone become overjoyed, he asked: “how do you know it is a blessing?"
Because blessing and misfortune sometimes comes together; it also can be part of God's grand plan for the person greater destiny.
January 30, 2026
a traditional tale about the importance of perseverance
June 24, 2009
This delicately illustrated tale of travel and tragedy reminds us that today's disaster just might be a necessary step towards the ultimate attainment of our heart's desire.
You can listen in on our chat about this book on our Just One More Book! Children's Book Podcast.
Other books mentioned:
The Farmer's Wife
The Clever Boy and the Terrible, Dangerous Animal
More middle eastern reading on JOMB:
Silent Music (A Story of Baghdad)
Night of the Moon: A Muslim Holiday Story
52 Days by Camel
My Friend Jamal
The Butter Man
Lugalbanda: The Boy Who Got Caught Up In The War
The Rich Man and the Parrot
Sanji and the Baker
Interview with Suzan Nadimi
You can listen in on our chat about this book on our Just One More Book! Children's Book Podcast.
Other books mentioned:
The Farmer's Wife
The Clever Boy and the Terrible, Dangerous Animal
More middle eastern reading on JOMB:
Silent Music (A Story of Baghdad)
Night of the Moon: A Muslim Holiday Story
52 Days by Camel
My Friend Jamal
The Butter Man
Lugalbanda: The Boy Who Got Caught Up In The War
The Rich Man and the Parrot
Sanji and the Baker
Interview with Suzan Nadimi
December 11, 2017
Evocative colour and drawing illustrate this story.
Fatima sets out with her father- who is a successful spinner- on a sea voyage to the Islands of the Middle Sea. He has business there and she dreams of finding a handsome husband.
They are ship wrecked and Fatima is left alone, cast up near Alexandria.
This is the first of three disasters. Each time Fatima manages to settle herself: learning a new skill in the process, and all seems set fair, catastrophe overtakes her. Ship wrecked a final time she finds herself before the Chinese Emperor who asks her if she can make a tent.
In her enforced wandering, her sojourns in new countries with new people, she has mastered rope making, cloth making and mast making. She thinks of all the tents she has seen on her travels and is able to make The Chinese Emperor a tent. The Emperor offers her, her heart's fulfilment.
She chooses to remain in China; marries a handsome prince and is happy thereafter with her children about her. Her horrible experiences were the means of her happiness and Fatima realises this.
Interesting that she must go from place to place to find these skills and that the experiences are so jolting, seemingly disruptive. Fatima is brave. Every time her hopes are dashed she is positive in her changed circumstances and takes advantage of what is on offer; a skill in itself.
Fatima sets out with her father- who is a successful spinner- on a sea voyage to the Islands of the Middle Sea. He has business there and she dreams of finding a handsome husband.
They are ship wrecked and Fatima is left alone, cast up near Alexandria.
This is the first of three disasters. Each time Fatima manages to settle herself: learning a new skill in the process, and all seems set fair, catastrophe overtakes her. Ship wrecked a final time she finds herself before the Chinese Emperor who asks her if she can make a tent.
In her enforced wandering, her sojourns in new countries with new people, she has mastered rope making, cloth making and mast making. She thinks of all the tents she has seen on her travels and is able to make The Chinese Emperor a tent. The Emperor offers her, her heart's fulfilment.
She chooses to remain in China; marries a handsome prince and is happy thereafter with her children about her. Her horrible experiences were the means of her happiness and Fatima realises this.
Interesting that she must go from place to place to find these skills and that the experiences are so jolting, seemingly disruptive. Fatima is brave. Every time her hopes are dashed she is positive in her changed circumstances and takes advantage of what is on offer; a skill in itself.
November 15, 2009
This is part of a "teaching series," and the lesson comes through quite clearly through the story of Fatima's troubles. Just when the poor girl thinks things are going well for her, disaster strikes. She is orphaned, shipwrecked, kidnapped, sold into slavery, and shipwrecked again before finally using all the skills she learned from these varied experiences to please the emperor of China and win a husband.
The delicate illustrations are wonderful, but the text is heavy and didactic. The tragedies that befall Fatima may be too frightening for the youngest students, so this book might work best in a 3rd grade or older class.
The delicate illustrations are wonderful, but the text is heavy and didactic. The tragedies that befall Fatima may be too frightening for the youngest students, so this book might work best in a 3rd grade or older class.
April 18, 2022
Why is it necessary to experience so much pain to be finally happy.. Every fucking time?? What makes it so obvious to embrace bad luck in every step, every page, every chapter.. And after all of these struggle, happy ending? End of the story? Why can't someone be just normally happy? Its a pathetic story...!!!
*Two star for beautiful illustration..
*Two star for beautiful illustration..
August 3, 2011
Bagai dah jatuh ditimpa tangga! From Morocco to the Mediterranean, to Egypt then to Turkey before finally settling in China, Fatima realised that what seemed to be really unfortunate at the time were an integral part of her eventual fultilment!
March 1, 2019
Terrible calamities befall Fatima but are shown not as isolated events but as contributors to Fatima's ultimate happiness and fulfilment. The illustrations surround and transport you into this wonderful tale. Fabulous!
June 3, 2016
It seems Fatima would have no luck if it were not for bad luck. Every time she gets her life together something horrible happens and she has to start over. Fortunately for her, all of her trials lead to something grand. She learns that everything she has been through makes her happy in the end.
Read
May 15, 2016I'm really not sure what to make of this.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews