Muslim Neoplatonists: An Introduction to the Thought of the Brethren of Purity, Ikhwān al-Ṣafāʾ

by Ian Richard Netton, إخوان الصفا

The tenth or eleventh century group of the Brethren of Purity (Ikhwan al Safa) are as well known in the Arab world as Darwin, Marx and Freud in the west. Designed as an introduction to their ideas, this book concentrates on the Brethren's writings, analyzing the impact on them of thinkers such as Pythagoras, Plato, Aristotle and the Neoplatonists. Ian Netton traces the influences of Judaism and Christianity, and controversially this book argues that the Brethren of Purity did not belong to the Ismaili branch of Islam as is generally believed.

Genres: Philosophy, History, Islam, Religion

146 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1982

Reviews

[Mateusz · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great background reading before embarking on the study of the Rasa'il, of which the magical treatises interest me the most. Much of my practice and philosophy is heavily influenced by Middle Neoplatonism and theurgy, combined with other Mediterranean mystery traditions and welded compendially into a Pythagorean–Platonic theology. I therefore decided that it would be honest to read what Muslims had to say about Neoplatonism, and to what ends it inspired the Ismaili and related Brethren of Purity (or Brethren of Honesty in some translations). As a Heathen deist and a philosopher practicing magical arts and rites by conviction of their utility in ennobling men and women alike, I would find it insanity to denounce or resign myself to ignorance in these matters as they developed throughout the centuries. A great read—thank you.

[amelia · Rating 3 out of 5]

actual rating 3.5