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Ikhwan al-Safa'

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Ikhwan al-Safa'

Secret Arab brotherhood founded in Basra, Iraq, in the 10th century. The beliefs of the group diverged sharply from orthodox Islam, incorporating elements of Neoplatonism, Gnosticism, astrology, and the occult sciences. The brotherhood is best known for having produced a philosophical and religious encyclopedia, Epistles of the Brethren of Purity and Loyal Friends, whose purpose was to provide enlightenment that would purify the soul and provide happiness in the next life.



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Outside Sufi literature, the tradition appears (unattributed) in the Rasaail of the Ikhwan al-Safa' (fl.
His works and links with Sufis later led to the Ikhwan al-Safa' (Brotherhood of Purity) movement which, as a secret organisation in the first half of the 10th century, sponsored educational projects and artisans' guilds, and publicised the work of alchemists.
980) mentions it in his Mafatih al-culum and it is found in the Rasa'il of Ikhwan al-Safa' (end of 10th century).
 
 
 
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