Ikhwan al-Safa

Ikhwan al-Safa, or the "Brethren of Purity," was a secretive 10th-century group of scholars and intellectuals in the Islamic Golden Age. Based in Basra, Iraq, they aimed to promote knowledge and philosophy, combining diverse fields such as mathematics, astronomy, and ethics. They are best known for their "Epistles," a series of influential writings that emphasized rational thought and the pursuit of truth. Their work sought to bridge different cultures and philosophies, reflecting a commitment to intellectual freedom and the idea that knowledge can lead to spiritual and moral improvement.