Ikhwan al-Safa
إخوان الصفا
Ikhwān al-Ṣafāʾ
🤔Philosophy
Brethren of Purity; 10th-century philosophical and scientific society.
Full Definition
The Ikhwan al-Safa (Brethren of Purity) were a 10th-century secret society of philosophers and scientists based in Basra. They produced the Rasaʾil (Epistles), an encyclopedic work covering philosophy, mathematics, natural sciences, and mysticism. Their thought shows Ismaili influences and they sought to harmonize philosophy with religious wisdom.