Vultures in the House of Silence: A Masterpiece of Islamic Fantasy

A Book Review of Vultures in the House of Silence by A.R. Latif. This book review does not contain spoilers.

In the ever-evolving landscape of fantasy literature, A. R. Latif’s “Vultures in the House of Silence” emerges as a groundbreaking work, poised to become the “Harry Potter” of the burgeoning Islamic fantasy genre. Set against the backdrop of the Arabian peninsula in the aftermath of the Mongol invasion—one of history’s most catastrophic events—this novel incorporates adventure, Islamic world-building, and spiritual growth that feels very close and familiar to Muslim readers despite the unique landscape.

An Islamic World-Building

At the core of this tale is Khurafa, a young orphan whose journey from tending his parents’ garden to confronting cosmic evil illustrates a powerful metaphor for the spiritual growth of a Muslim. On his journey from town to town, encounters with different types of evil and destruction parallel with the stations a seeker has to pass through in the path of spiritual elevation. As Khurafa fights them, the real jihad (struggle) is happening inside, that leads to the way of spiritual illumination. In this manner, Latif’s masterful world-building does more than create an engaging backdrop; it constructs a universe where Islamic motifs undergird its reality.

This immersive approach to storytelling allows readers to experience a world where tawhid is emphasized even in the fantasy world-building elements, as a tangible force shaping events and characters’ decisions. As Khurafa discovers his “firsat”—divine gifts bestowed upon him—and puts them in use to save the world from Satan-inspired evil, the author invites readers to reflect on their own God-given abilities and the responsibility that comes with them as a nod to the Quranic principle of amanah (trust).

Latif’s integration of Islamic beliefs, culture, and folklore into the story creates an immersive world that feels both familiar and exotic. For example, the incorporation of items inherited from Prophets and the use of medieval medicine harken back to the golden age of Islamic civilization, a time of great scientific and cultural advancement that’s often overlooked in Western literature. This aspect of the novel not only educates readers about a lesser-known historical period but also challenges the orientalist portrayals of Islamic culture in contemporary media and literature. Additionally, the author’s treatment of supernatural elements, such as djinn possessions and divine intervention, draws parallels to the magical realism draws parallels to the magical realism rife in works like “One Hundred Years of Solitude” by Gabriel García Márquez, where everyday life includes the spiritual and mystical. 

An Unexpected Hero

What often sets heroes of famous fictional tales apart is the hero’s journey. Any great work of Muslim fiction begins with a compelling backstory and an arc that includes spiritual growth through use of allegory and symbolism. Here, Khurafa is thrust into a world of danger and wonder after he’s forced to leave the comfort of his home to confront the group of sorcerers that threatens all of humanity. Even the garden he tends, a reminder of his lost parents, serves as a microcosm of the paradise he seeks to preserve, much like the Shire represents the innocence and peace that Frodo fights to protect in Tolkein’s “The Lord of the Rings.”

Latif also hints at the religious mentorship, for example a murshid and mureed, necessary for a hero’s growth. Mentorship plays a pivotal role in the Hero’s Journey, often serving as the catalyst for the protagonist’s transformation and preparing them for the trials ahead. Similarly, the Islamic model of pedagogy emphasizes the role of a scholar of tasawwuf as a sort of spiritual parent. Khurafa’s journey is guided by his spiritual teacher Shaykh Nariman. Early on, Shaykh Nariman tells him the story of another hero who “faces greater and greater threats, but by recognizing that God is far greater, he succeeds…” During his journey, Khurafa often remembers Shaykh Nariman rebuking him: “God is aiding you, paving your path! There is no coincidence!”

Universal Themes in Medieval Islam

While the setting and cultural context of “Vultures in the House of Silence” may be unfamiliar to some readers, the themes it explores are universal. The novel’s treatment of post-war trauma and grappling with the psychological scars left by conflict are especially pertinent in today’s world where we witness unfathomable levels of violence and genocides around the globe. Themes of resilience and the human capacity for endurance are ubiquitous in fiction; however, Latif’s approach is rooted in Islamic theology. There is neither a call to succumb to the odds nor a call to self-determination as the ultimate purpose. Rather, Khurafa’s raw grief and despair echoes, at times, the impact it has on faith:

“I’ve never been mad at God before. Not when my parents had died, not when the Mongols had torn my world away. On our journey all I ultimately found – even in the worst times – was hope. A reason, a purpose, finally, to exist. A duty. Something that made sense. But there I was. My journey at an end…”

And,

“There’s always a way out. There’s always a way if we think cleverly enough, work hard enough, pray and plead with God enough. I just didn’t have the will to do so anymore.”

Latif’s portrayal of eternal struggle between good and evil does not negate God, nor answer Khurafa’s despairs through an abandonment of it. What Khurafa learns—and readers through extension—is that hope must be a necessary balance to despair: “Maybe I stumble because I’m meant to be walking in paradise.” One doesn’t do things in order to succeed, one does things to please God.

A Muslim Literary Achievement

Latif’s world-building and character development elevate “Vultures in the House of Silence” from mere entertainment to a work of significant literary merit. The nuanced portrayal of characters facing moral and philosophical dilemmas create a narrative that is both intellectually stimulating and emotionally resonant. We witness the inner struggles of the protagonists negotiating between taking action to fulfill their duty and running away as they encounter devilish forces representing the acts of Shaytan taking control of people. The characters make conclusive decisions on what is just and worth sacrificing for the greater good in their mission.

The author’s ability to balance between realism and fantasy creates a world where magic feels like a natural extension of reality, governed by the limitations of Islamic worldview. Latif builds on the centuries old Muslim storytelling genre that does not claim to teach Islamic theology or rulings and rather promotes and highlights Islamic values and morals in their essence. In this regard, the novel is following the footsteps of giants such as the Shahnameh of Ferdowsi, the world’s longest epic poem and narration of the Persian Empire’s and the Egyptian epic folklore poem Sirat al-Zahir Baybars on the heroic acts of the Mamluk Sultan.

Perhaps one of the most significant achievements of “Vultures in the House of Silence” is its potential to serve as a cultural bridge. In a world where prejudices about Muslims and Islam often divide communities, Latif’s novel offers a window into Islamic culture that is accessible and engaging for readers of all backgrounds. The universal themes and relatable characters provide common ground, while the setting and cultural elements offer an opportunity for broadening perspectives. This aspect of the novel is particularly crucial in our current global context. Literature is increasingly a means of cross-cultural understanding. Works like “Vultures in the House of Silence” can play a vital role in humanizing cultures.

Overall, “Vultures in the House of Silence” is more than just an exciting fantasy novel; it is a literary achievement that pushes the boundaries of the genre while offering insights into human nature, spirituality, and the power of storytelling. A. R. Latif has created a work that stands proudly alongside the giants of fantasy literature while carving out a unique space for Islamic fantasy in the global literary landscape.

As readers eagerly await the sequel, I hope that the first book will be remembered as a cornerstone of a new Muslim literary movement, inspiring future generations of Muslim writers and readers to revisit the heritage of the Muslim civilizations through the lens of fantasy.

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Amazon link to the book here and Audible link to audiobook here. This is not a sponsored post.

Photo by Birger Strahl on Unsplash

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