ISLAMIC EDUCATION DEPARTMENT TEACHER TRAINING AND EDUCATION FACULTY STATE INSTITUTE FOR ISLAMIC STUDIES (IAIN) SALATIGA 2016 THE EDUCATIONAL THOUGHT OF IKHWAN AL-SHAFA IN THE AL-FIKR AT-TARBAWIY AL-ISLAMIY A GRADUATING PAPER
IN THE AL E AL-FIKR AT-TARBAWIY AL-ISLAMI MIY
A GRADUATING PAPER
Submitted to the Board oard of Examiners as a partial fulfillment of the r e requirements
for th or the degree of SarjanaPendidikan (S.Pd)
Islamic Education De Department of Teacher Training and Education ation Faculty
State In Institute for Islamic Studies (IAIN) Salatiga
Written by:
HANIFAH RISTI AINI
NIM. 111 12 059
ISLAM SLAMIC EDUCATION DEPARTMENT
TEACHER TR TRAINING AND EDUCATION FACU ULTY
STATE INSTITUT TE FOR ISLAMIC STUDIES (IAIN) SA ) SALATIGA
2016
Dr. phil. Asfa Widiyanto, MA. Senoir Lecturer of Teacher Training and Education Faculty State Institute for Islamic Studies Salatiga ATTENTIVE SUPERVISOR NOTES Subject: Hanifah Risti Aini’s Graduating Paper
Dear Rector of The State Institute for Islamic Studies Salatiga
Assalamu’alaikumWarahmatullahiWabarakatuh
After reading and correcting Hanifah Risti Aini’s graduating paper entitled “THE
EDUCATIONAL THOUGHT OF IKHWAN AL-SHAFA IN THE AL-FIKR
AT-TARBAWIY AL-ISLAMIY”, I have decided and would like to propose that it
could be accepted by educational faculty and I hope it would be examined as soon as possible.
Wassalamu’alaikumWarahmatullahiWabarakatuh th
Salatiga, September15 2016 Supervisor, Dr. phil. Asfa Widiyanto, MA.
NIP. 19751122 200003 1001
MOTTO
“Experience makes people grow.”
DEDICATION
This graduating paper is dedicated to:
1. My super woman, Siti Mahmudah and my lovely man Muryanto. Thanks for your praying, support, and everlasting love. You are the reason for me to finish this graduating paper.
2. My lovely auntNuzululRahmawati and uncle M. Abdul Haq, thanks for being second parent when I was stay away from home.
3. My sisters, Khoir, Tsalitsa and Salma, who always cheer me up and support me.
4. My beloved ones, Hade and Irma. Thanks for being a part of my life.
5. My big family of International Class Program of IAIN Salatiga, Ma’had Al- Jami’ah IAIN Salatiga, GRAVART Salatiga, IKMAKSUTA Salatiga, GREAT Indonesia, Syaamila Kid’s, who has spent the time together whether in happy or difficult time.
6. My kind and joyful friends who always support me to finish this graduating paper as soon as possible. And all of my friends of IAIN Salatiga.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
Thanks to Allah SWT, The Most Gracious and The Most Merciful because of His wonderful blessings and His Mercy, the writer can finish this graduating paper successfully. The writer hopes, as Allah allow, this paper can be blessing in the future. He always gives everything the writer need and makes everything possible. Praise and gratitude always be with Him.
Peace and salutation always be with our prophet Muhammad SAW, perfect person who has guided as from the darkness to the lightness. Hope we reach his blessing in Judgment day.
However, this success would not be achieved without supports, guidance, help, advice and encouragement both from individual and institution. Therefore, the writer would like to express the deepest gratitude to:
1. Mr. Dr. Rahmat Hariyadi, M.Pd. as the Rector of IAIN (State Institute for Islamic Studies) Salatiga.
2. Mr. Suwardi, M.Pd. as the Dean of Teacher Training and Education Faculty.
3. Mrs. Siti Rukhayati as the Head of Islamic Education Department.
4. Mrs. Sari Famularsih as the Head of International Class Program
5. Mr. Dr. phil. Asfa Widiyanto, M.A. and Mr. Faizal Risdianto, M. Hum, as the writer supervisor who has patiently educated, supported, directed, and given the writer countless advices, suggestion and recommendation for this graduating paper from beginning until the end.
6. All the lecturers of IAIN Salatiga 7. All the staffs that have helped the writer in processing administration.
8. All of figures who cannot be mentioned in this limited paper.
From the bottom of her heart, the writer truly thanks to all individuals. The writer feels very fortunate because she has been surrounded by such amazing people who have helped her to accomplish her work.
Salatiga, September 15
th
2016 The Writer Hanifah Risti Aini
TABLE OF CONTENTS
TITLE …………………………….....................................................................i DECLARATION ……………………………………………………………… ii ATTENTIVE SUPERVISOR’S NOTES ……………………………………... iii CERTIFICATION PAGE ………………………………………………......... v MOTTO ……………………………………………….................................... vi DEDICATION …………………………………………………………......... vii ACKNOWLEDGEMENT …………………………………………………... viii TABLE OF CONTENTS …………………………………………………….x ABSTRACT …………………………………………………………….……xii
CHAPTER I INTRODUCTION A. Background of the Research ..………………………………………… 1 B. Problems of Study …………………………………………………….. 5 C. Object of Study ……………………………………………………….. 6 D. Significance of the Study ……………………………………………... 6 E. Definition of the Key Terms …………………………………………..7 F. Literature Review ……………………………………………………..
8 G. Methods of the Study ……………………………………………….... 11
H. Paper Outline ………………………………………………………… 15
CHAPTER II PROFILE OF IKHWAN AL-SHAFA A. Condition of Irak in 10 Century: Politic, Social Intelectual and Religiusness …….……………………………............................ 17 B. Biography of Ikhwan Al-Shafa…………………………………......... 18
C. Masterpiece of Ikhwan Al-Shafa…………………………….............. 25
CHAPTER III EDUCATIONAL THOUGHT OF IKHWAN AL- SHAFA IN AL-FIKR AT-TARBAWIY AL-ISLAMIY A. Truth of Human ……………………………………………………… 29 B. Aim of Education …………………………….……………………… 31 C. Curriculum of Education ………………………………….…..…….. 36 D. Educator and Learner …………………………................................... 38 E. Environment of Education …………………………………………… 40 CHAPTER IV RELEVANCE OF IKHWAN AL-SHAFA’S THOUGHT OF EDUCATION ACCORDING TO MODERN EDUCATION IN INDONESIA A. Relevance of Human’s Truth …………………………………………43 B. Relevance of The Aim Of Education ………………………………... 47
C. Relevance of The Curriculum Of Education ……………………… 52
D. Relevance of Educator and Learner ……………….……………..... 63
E. Relevance of Environment of Education …………….………......... 65
CHAPTER V CLOSURE A. Conclusions ...……………………………………………………….. 68 B. Suggestions...……………………………………………………….. 70 BIBLIOGRAPHY …………………………………………………………. 71
ABSTRACT
Aini, H. Risti. 2016. The Educational Thought of Ikhwan Al-Shafa in The Al-Fikr At-Tarbawy Al-Islamiyy. A Graduating paper.Teacher Training and Education Faculty.Islamic Department.State Institute for Islamic Studies (IAIN) Salatiga.
Counselor: Dr. phil. Asfa Widiyanto, MA. and Faizal Risdianto, M.Hum.
Keywords: thought, education.
The thought of education can not be separated from Islamic civilization phenomenon. Because the dynamics of educational tought, while progressively or regressively, generally it is an integral part from Islamic civilization dynamics. Therefore, the educational thought in reality submissive to the logic’s history. In Islamic education especially, there are three principal schools of thought; conservative by Imam Ghazali, religious-rational by Ikhwan Al-Shafa, and pragmatic by IbnuKhaldun.
This research focusing on what is the concept of Ikhwan Al-Shafa’s thought in education and its relevance towards Indonesian modern education. Then the aim of this research is to know the concept of Ikhwan Al-Shafa’s thought in education and its relevance towards Indonesian modern education.
In this research use research methodology: 1. Type of research: literature review. 2. Data resource : primary resource is Al-Fikr At-Tarbawiy Al-Islamiy’s book and secondary resources are relevance literatures. 3. Method of study : descriptive.
The conclusion: educational thought in accordance to Ikhwan Al-Shafa is emphasize to the moral achievement. How education has an impact in process of creating human with good character –in relation to the God or human. In reality, Indonesian modern education in the last years era emphasize to cognitive aspect. But this made Indonesia encounter to moral crisis. Then it makes the government try to find the solution by changing education system. Which education system through Indonesian government is still had the relevance to the Ikhwan Al-Shafa’s thought.
CHAPTER I INTRODUCTION A. Background of the Research Education in broad meaning has been implemented since human
beings on earth. The development of human civilization, develops content and form also, including development of education. In line with human progress according educational thought, in a technical meaning education is the process of improving society through educational institutions (schools, colleges or other institutions), deliberately transforming cultural heritage, knowledge, values and skills from generation to generation. (Siswoyo in Ardiansyah, 2013: 1)
Marimba said that education is a guidance or conscious guidance by educators about physical and spiritual development of the students towards establishment of principal personality. (Tafsir, 2011: 24)
In addition, John Dewey said that education is not a preparation for life, rather it is the living. Education is the process of living through a continuous reconstruction of experiences. It is the development of all those capacities in the individual which will enable him to control his environment and fulfil his possibilities.
The different meanings and definitions of education as given above lead us to the conclusion that education may be defined as a purposive, conscious or unconscious, psychological,sociological, scientific and philosophical process, which brings about the development of the individual to the fullest extent and also the maximum development of society in such a way that both enjoy maximum happiness and prosperity. In short, education is the development of individual according to his needs and demands of society, of which he is an integral part.
In accordance to this, Ikhwan Al-Shafa is the association of philosophers that focus on the field of preaching and education. This group develops in the second century Hijria in the city of Basra, Iraq. This organizations include teaching about the basics of Islam which is based on Islamic Brotherhood (Ukhuwwah Islamiyyah), that is the attitude that sees the faith of a Muslim will not be complete unless he loves his brother like he loves himself. As an organization it has the spirit of preaching and sermons militance and very high concern for others. All the members of this association shall be teachers and preachers to others who are in the society. Herein the relevance talking about Ikhwan Al-Shafa in education. (Hidayatullah, 2003: 44)
Other information says that this organization was founded by a group of people consist of the philosophers. This organization tend to mysteries and political mission. But along with that there is also saying that the organization is a patterned myth. They prioritizes education and teaching relating to personal formation, soul and faith. (Nata, 2005: 231)
Ikhwan Al-Shafa say that the ultimate goal in education is to enhance human dignity for the good pleasure of Allah The Almighty. That is when an educated, according to the Ikhwan Al-Shafa, expected he has good morals in order to create quality human resources.
The development of quality human resources is a national development targets. The idea of the development of high quality human resources in Indonesia is the idea of President Soeharto, presented in front of legistilative assembly, on August 16, 1989. He pointed out that for the success in the process of learning, then one of the main requirement is to implement the System National Education that able to produce quality human resources.
Law on National Education System No. 2 of 1989, that the function of national education is to develop the ability and improve the quality of life and dignity of the Indonesian nation in order to achieve national goals. The purpose of national education is the intellectual life and develop a complete Indonesian, the one who is faithful and devoted to God Almighty and supreme character, has the ability and skill, physical and spiritual health, personality determination and independent and have the sense of responsibility to society and the nation.
To create the goal of national education,the role of education is determine in the formation of an educated country, especially in the formation of mental attitude, because mental attitude is needed in order to process over generation.
The experts explained their views on the role of education and community demands for the implementation of quality education.
1. Sir Godfrey Thomson said that the role of education is a process of inheritance of values established from one generation to the next.
2. Al Qurtuby provide an interpretation to the demands of society in the development of science that science is a very dominant factor for maintaining religious knowledge, development and excavation also exaltating the Asma of Allah and the happiness that can be achieved with science.
3. Ibn Khaldun says that the role of education to express the communities power and work to preserve and improve the communities quality of life.
From the various opinions on the role of education and the public demands of education, it seems Ikhwan Al-Shafa had contribution to the educational concept, to create the qualified generation or nowaday well-know as human resources. (Ardiansyah, 2003: 4-6)
Based on the research background above, the writer interested to examine more deeply about the thought of Ikhwan Al-Shafa, especially in the field of education contained in the book Al-Fikr At-Tarbawiy Al-Islamiy and explore his thought if it is associated with the concept of todays modern education. The writer choose this book because of it has different characteristics. Discussed and develop through specific approach that is sociological-philosophical to derivate and develop thought of Islamic education based on sosio-historical Muslim’s life since the beginning era. It means this book focusing on obsession of human education and also the aim want to achieved. Such as religious, ethic or social aim.
B. Problems of Study This study will be focused on following problems;
1. What is the concept of Ikhwan Al-Shafa’s view of education in the Al-Fikr At-Tarbawiy A-Islamiy?
2. What is the relevance between Ikhwan Al-Shafa’s view in Al-Fikr At- Tarbawiy A-Islamiy towards Indonesian modern education? C. Object of the Study From this research, the writer wants to achieve some objectives; they are as follows:
1. To describe Ikhwan Al-Shafa’s view of education in the Al-Fikr At- Tarbawy A-Islamiy?
2. To know the relevance of Ikhwan Al-Shafa’s view in Al-Fikr At-Tarbawy A-Islamiy towards Indonesian modern education.
D. Significance of the Study The research can be beneficial as follows:
a. For the Writer The findings of the research can be used as starting point in improving writer’s comprehension about Ikhwan Al-Shafa and their thought especially in education.
b. For the Intellectual The positive result of this research can support the intelectual in improving their comprehension about thinkers of the Muslim and their views on education. c. For the Public The findings of this research can be a reference for next research in the same topic.
E. Definition of the Key Terms To clarify and keep clear of any mistakes in interpreting this research, it is necessary to explain the terms regarding with the study. To understand this study easier, the writer presents some description and explanation of related terms. They are as follows:
1. Thought is act of thingking about or considering something, an idea or opinion, or a set of ideas about a particular subject.
According to Marimba (as quote by Tafsir, 1962:19) education is the conscious guidance or leadership by educators to the development of physical and spiritual of student to form primaries behavior. Educational thought is mind and heart work processes carried out in the view of various issues in Islamic education and strive to build a civilization of education that become a vechile for the promotion and development of learners in plenary.
2. The Ikhwân Al-Shafa or Brethren of Purity, as their name is commonly translated, are the authors of one of the most complete medieval encyclopedias of sciences, antecedent at least two centuries to the best known in the Latin world. The encyclopedia is a collection of Epistles, the Arabic title of which is Rasâ’il Ikhwân al-Safâ’ wa Khullân al-Wafâ’ (Epistles of the Pure Brethren and the Sincere Friends). Ikhwan Al-Shafa also well-known as a secret group of philosopher and mujtahidin focusing on preaching and education.
F. Literature Review Basrah attracted the attention of philosophical activists. It is an association of philosophers and Sufis highly confidential named Ikhwan Al-
Shafa or Brethren of Purity, which became a magnet and center of attention. They emerge and play an important role in thoughts and the study of philosophy. Their names increasingly soar through the writings of Rasa'il al- Ikhwan alShafa (epistle or encyclopedia). Although well-known, not too much people is known about the Ikhwan Al-Shafa, especially about their intellectual actor. The historian time to time trying to reveal the mystery of this fraternity. Preliminary information regarding their existance was obtained from the personal diary of a scholar, Abu Hayyan al-Tauhidi. He lived during the Ikhwan existence (1023). In his book, al-Tauhidi, as quoted from by Ismail and Lois Lamya al-Faruqi, lists five Brotherhood leaders. They are Rifa'ah Ibn
Zaid, Abu Sulaiman Muhammad ibn Masyhar al Bisti which is also known by al Maqdisi, Abu al-Hasan Ali ibn Harun al-Zanjani, Abu Ahmad al-Mihrajani, as well as al-Awqi. The names were believed to be key members of the Ikhwan Al-Shafa and author Rasa'il. An explanation is written in the epistles was revealed, this farternity is solid and has many members. Their existence is spread over a number of Islamic countries. The brothers come from a variety of professions, ranging from the royal visioner, governor, poets, merchants, nobles, scholars, lawyers, and others.
However, some historians had a doubt about that claim, one of them is al Qifthi (1249). According to him, what is listed in Rasa'il still raise a debate.
Because, he said, did not find the identity of the author of the epistles. No wonder if it remained much speculation. Most people assume that Rasa'il is a creation of Caliph Ali ibn Abi Talib descendant. There is also an opinion that the authors are Mu'tazila philosophers from first period. Furthermore, Philip K. Hitti in his History of Arabs to uncover the reasons of confidentiality Ikhwan Al-Shafa. He argues, in its development, this group had launched a movement against the authorities. Their manner is to discredit the system of thought and popular religion. That's why the activity and the nature of their membership tends vague, mysterious and secret. The designation Ikhwan Al- Shafa according to his opinion, may be taken from the story of a dove in the story of Kalilah wa Dimna. This is a story about a group of animals who pretends to be a close friend or Ikhwan al-shafa, one another can avoid the trap of hunter. Some historical sources mention that the Ikhwan is a group of thinkers expressing ideas in the realm of Islamic philosophy. This group has many names, among others Khulan al-Wafa’, Ahl al-Adl, and Abna' al-Hamd, and build a branch in Baghdad, the capital of the Abbasid caliphate.
Ikhwan Al-Shafa except well-known concentrate in the fields of philosophy and mysticism, they also contribute their thoughts on education, it can be seen from the ideas of their educational thoughts. According to Ikhwan Al-Shafa, science is an overview of knowledge of the soul who knows.
Learning is unleash the potential of becoming actual and the primary educational goal is moral. While the function of education is to help the educated to realize self-development efforts. The totality of education is an activity moral, that are moral to be good, habit into a positive, and actions become straight, would convey the message to the person who has the right, good at controlling themselves, respecting rights of others, to be kind to neighbors, being sincere to others, full love, not greedy, do not like to complain, being empathic, and do good selflessly, because when it has strings attached to in the reply or has strings attached to at flattered, it is no longer worth as the kindness, but as a nifaqan (pretending to believe), and not suitable for persons such in the ruhaniah (spiritual)noble. (Republika, 31 Agustus 2010) G. Method of the Study
a. Design of the Study According to the researchers, this study used a qualitative approach.In general terms, scientific research consist of an investigation that seek answers to a question, systematically uses a predefined set of procedures to answer the queston, collects evidence, produces findings that were not determined in advance, produces findings that are applicable beyond the immediate boundaries of the study.
And the type of research that is used is literature review, that collects data or scientific papers aimed to object of research or literature’s data. Or a study to solve a problem that is essentially concentrated on critical and in-depth research on materials from relevant book.
As quote from University of North Carolina handbook (2000: 1) literature review discusses published information in a particular subject area, and sometimesinformation in a particular subject area within a certain time period.A literature review can be just a simple summary of the sources, but it usually has anorganizational pattern and combines both summary and synthesis. A summary is a recap of theimportant information of the source, but a synthesis is a re-organization, or a reshuffling, ofthat information. It might give a new interpretation of old material or combine new with oldinterpretations. Or it might trace the intellectual progression of the field, including majordebates. And depending on the situation, the literature review may evaluate the sources andadvise the reader on the most pertinent or relevant.
As for the reason researchers used a qualitative method because the method is suitable to the research to be conducted by the author, which is about the educational thought Ikhwan al-shafa in the book of al-Fikr al- att-Tarbawi Islamy. With this method the researchers expected to get an overview of educational thought Ikhwan al-sahfa and the implications for today's modern education.
b. Types of Data There are two type of data in this study; primary data and secondary data.
Primary data source is the result of research or writings by the researchers or original theory, in this case primary data source that used by researchers is a book of Muhammad Jawwad Rida, Al-Fikr At- Tarbawiy Al-Islamiy.
Secondary data is data obtained from readings sources and some sources that consist of personal letters, diaries, meeting notes societies, until official documents from some government agencies. Secondary data also can be magazines, newsletters, publications of some organizations, appendices of official institution such as ministries, the results of studies, thesis, survey results, historical studies, and so on. Researcher use this secondary data to strengthen and complement the discovery of information that has been collected.
c. Methods of Collecting Data This study included literature review. Therefore the techniques of collecting data used is literary data, they are literature materials that koheran with the object discussion. The data in the literature are collected and processed in a way;
1. Collecting; collect some literature that relevant with research topic.
2. Editing; re-examination the obtained data especially in terms of completeness, clarity and balancing of meaning between one another.
3. Organizing; organizes the data obtained with the framework that has been needed.
4. Finding research; conducted further analysis of the results organizing data by using the principles, theories and methods that have been determined in order to obtain certain conclusions as a result of the answer of problem study. d. Methods of Analyzing Data Analyzing data in this literature review is content analysis.
According to Krippendof that content analysis ia a technique to make repicable inferentions and valid depending on the context. This content analysis model is not only knowing the news content but how the news messages has been delivered till the hidden meaning ascertainable.
In accordance to Lan (2000: 42-43) mentioned research technique using analisys content method has three character impartiatly; objective, systematic and generality. Objective in this analyzing method imply a same result if this research doing by other. Systematic imply on this research categorize following the a rule already set in consistently. This requirements assuring of selection and data coding is not blur. And generalitas means that finding research has theoritic relevance.
The steps of content analysis;
1. Indentify problem of study Problem of study is opening key word of research. There are three components; a thing investigated, certain medium and certain period.
2. Data resources Researcher need to determine relevance resources to problem of study.
3. Operational definition Operational definition related to analysis unit. Analysis unit determination is accordance to the topic or problem of study.
4. Code arranging and realbility check Code doing as knowing main characteristic of categorize.
5. Determining sample and population
6. Determining method of collecting data
7. Determining analisys method
8. Analisys and data interpretation
H. Paper Outline This graduating paper will consist of five chapters. Each chapter will be discussed as follow; Chapter I, presents introduction. In this chapter the researcher explain about the background of this research, which discusses the reasons why the researcher intends to conducting a library research of progressive assimilation pronunciation. This chapter also covers the limitation of the problem, statement of the problems, objectives of the study, definition of key terms and organization of the paper.
Chapter II, presents biographic of Ikhwan Al-Shafa. The first point is explaination about socio-historical of this organization. Another sub point presented in this chapter is the explanation of figure’s biography Ikhwan Al- Shafa and the last is about their masterpiece in their era.
Chapter III, presents about educational thought of Ikhwan Al-Shafa in Al-Fikr at-Tarbawiy according to the meaning of education, aims, method, materials, students and educators. Chapter IV, consists of analyzing Ikhwan Al-Shafa’s view in education regarding challenge involved in modern education nowadays. Especially towards the concept of modern education in Indonesia. Chapter V, the last part of this outline is closure that consists of conclusions and suggestions from problem of study as explain before.
CHAPTER II PROFILE OF IKHWAN AL-SHAFA A. Condition of Irak in 10 Century: Politics, Social Intelectual and Religiousity In that era, developing of education categorize in second phase. Namely, phase of the development social-philosophical of islamic educational
thought and still has a relevance with the establishment of Dar Al-Hikmah in the 217H /832C. The relevance can be seen by the presence of the formation of education theories in the muslim community, coincide with the emergence of Islamic school or madrassa as institution of higher education after the establishment of Dar Al-Hikmah. First madrassa was owned by Abu Hatim Al-Bisti, who died in late of 4 H through educational theories of Ikhwan Al- Shafa.
A lot of popping movement translation also happened at that time. Translation of Greek philosophy, books of medicine, math and other discipline into Arabic. Dar Al-Hikmah spontaneity not only serves limited as an interpreter. This institution then develops into academic institution as colleges and research place. (Ridla, 2002: 30-31)
According to political issue, Basrah being in a down condition. Almost turmoil fluctuating-in and around Iraq. Abbasid caliphate at that time was centered in Iraq and headed by Al-Makmun which is in a collapse’s door. After Al-Makmun death and replaced by Al-Mutawakkil and Mu’tashim. The kingdom being obsence because of political conflict and led to the insurgency, murder, rape, and pillaging who repeatedly happened and disturbing the whole community. This condition being more complicated while spread of deviated current. Basrah, as a vital town got annoyance and attack by the rioters, Zinj and Qaramithah. Moreover, because of this groups, in a day more than three hundred and thousand people was killed. (Alydrus, 2006: 261)
Insurgency that was happened is the effect of the violence and the cruelty for a long time then the stratification levelly. The community divided intofour stratum; first lining is king has authority, second lining is ministers who have ingenuity and wealth, educated middle class lining and underlining society. Uprising increasingly everywhere aggravate the situation and increase casualties. Final situation, the massive sending of a army to quell the rebellion
Alawiyyin (clan who has blood relation with Prophet Muhammad) and Abbasiyyin (Abbasid followers) in Baghdad. In this incident a lot victims were
died, falling drowned in the river. (Ridla, 2002: 32)
B. Biography of Ikwan Al-Shafa Basrah attracted the attention of philosopher. It is a secret association of philosopher and mystic named the brethren of purity or Ikhwan Al-Shafa that become magnetized and the center of attention. They appear and played an important role in thought and study of philosophy. (Republika, 31 Agustus 2010)
According to Umar Farukh as quote by Ridla (2002: 146), this group appeared because of crisis occurring in Iraq. Some contemporer historian concluded that appearing of this group, consisting of the philosophical- moralist suppose that feud of social, political, and religion, found in diversities of religion, religious sect and ethnic in Abbasid caliphate era. They worked hard to break out the deprive variety strife and facility them in an inclusive school based on doctrine abstracted from all existing religions.
The brethren of purity or Ikhwan Al-Shafa is a group of secret muslim thinker, derived from Ismailiyyah sect and was born in the middle of Sunni communities around 4H /10C in basrah. This group existance is not totally clear because they conceal their activities. Although this group is unclear, their epistle as their masterpiece, according to Abu Hayyan Al-Tauhidi from their internal data, interferential it stems in between 347 H/958 C until 373H/983C or from quarter century of 4H. Their center activities is in Basrah, but there is also a branch of this group in Baghdad. From Basrah, Ikhwan Al- Shafa do expansion in some areas such as Iran and Quwait. This organization teach about basic of Islam based on Islamic fraternity (Ukhuwah Islamiyyah), that is loving and cares to other Muslim.
Many literatures in Indonesia, particularly in the field of thought, education and philosophy, this secret militant group Ikhwan Al-Shafa which means brotherhood in purity or fraternity sacred, often defined as flat and not be able to uncover even reveal their identity that full of secrets. From that literature, Ikhwan Al-Shafa also defined as an organization that was founded by a group of people consisting of the philosophers. As a secret association or an organization, Ikhwan Al-Shafa focus on the field of preching and education. (Nata, 1997: 181)
Ikhwan Al-Shafa is a group of thinkers with liberal orientation whose activity is to explore and develop science and philosophy with the aim not merely for science itself, but to achieve others goals, such as forming ethical- religious community and unite many groups in a place that always ready to fight their aspirations. This ethical-religious community is the intergrating of heterogeneous Muslims. Heterogeneity characterizes this group, reflecting their common pluralistic characteristic, because consisting of elements and cross-sect or sects. (Izzati, Jurnal Al-Muta’aliyah, 2016: 99)
According to Hana Al Farukhi, name Ikhwan Al-Shafa expressed in the story of pigeon Kalillah wa Dhimmah translated by Ibn Muqaffa. As the name implies Ikhwan Al-Shafa means pure and clean brotherhood. This organization also teaches about the basics of Islam, which is based on Islamic fraternity (Ukhuwah Islamiyah) is an attitude of a Muslim will not be complete unless he loves his brother like he loves himself, fraternity solidarity, a pure court friend and also give an advice each other to reach Allah’s willing. Therefore, in the composition of taqiah (keeping the truth) or
kitman (conceal) is one action to conceal the nature of belief which he
believes or opinions that he hold and deeds to do. And thus he did not show anything to others who has different views, though in his heart what he is doing is not believed by him, so that he same with others according to their physic. (Republika, 31 Agustus 2010)
This secret group named their group as Khulan Al Wafa', Ahl al-Adl, and Abna' Al Hamdi, or also Auliya 'Allah. It may be because of political tendencies, and revealed after the authorithy of Buwaihi dynasty in Baghdad, 983C. There is a possibility of this secret group influenced by the taqiyanisme, because the base activities are around Sunni community.
Perhaps, the secrecy is because they support Mu'tazila school which had been abolished by the Abbasid caliph also, Al-Mutawakil, as state school.
As an organization that has the spirit of militant preaching and sermons with high caring for others,Ikhwan al-Shafa is ranged in the philosophy that focus in the field of preaching and educatin. They gathered to fire up the knowledge among the Muslims so they will not mired in a foolish and fanatisme. The main reason of the emergence of Ikhwan Al-Shafa is concern of regarding the implementation of Islamic teachings that have been tainted by the teachings of non-Muslim and to revive a love of science among Muslim. They work and move in secret due to fears that they will get a punishment frm the arbiter because at that time they tends to suppress the thought movements that arise. These conditions, causes Ikhwan Al-Shafa has limited members. They are very selective in accepting new members and only focus in some aspects. Some requirements they set in recruiting members are: have extensive in knowledge, has a big loyalty, has the sincerity, noble and all the members of this association shall be teachers and preachers to others who are in the community.
Preliminary information regarding their whereabouts was obtained from the personal diary of a scholar, Abu Hayyan al-Tauhidi. Who lived during Ikhwan gait (1023). In his book, al-Tauhidi, as quoted by Ismail and Lois Lamya al-Faruqi, lists five Ikhwan leaders. They are Rifa'ah Ibn Zaid, Abu Sulaiman Muhammad ibn al Bisti Masyhar which is also known as al- Maqdisi, Abu al-Hasan Ali ibn Harun al-Zanjani, Abu Ahmad al-Mihrajani, and Al-Awqi. Those names were believed as a key member of the Ikhwan Al- Shafa and also author of Rasa'il.
An explanation as written in the epistle was revealed, Ikhwan Al- Shafa were solid and has many members. Their presence is spread in several Islamic countries. The brothers come from a variety of professions, ranging from the royal, vizier, governor, poets, merchants, nobles, scholars, lawyers, and others.
However, some historians doubt that claim, one of them, namely al- Qifthi (1249). According to him, what is listed in the Rasa'il could invite debate. Because, the identity of the author of the epistles could not find. No wonder if it raising some speculation.
Regardless of the debate about the identity of the Brotherhood, we can not denied about their contribution to the development of the study of philosophy in the Islamic movement in the Middle Ages. The group was collecting thoughts and doctrine philosophy in the Rasa'il Ikhwan Al-Shafa that arranged like an overview or an encyclopedia of knowledge. Echoes of their work or creation is quite remarkable. This monumental creatin has influenced subsequent science encyclopedias and studied in many countries.
The emergence of Ikhwan Al-Shafa is to save society and held on the road of happiness, is Allah’s way. According to them, the shariah has been spotted by assortment of foolish and covered some errors. In this group there are four levels of members, namely:
1. Al-Ikhwan al-Abrar al-Ruhama, the group of aged 15-30 years old, who have pure soul and strong mind. Their status as students, therefore prosecuted perfectly submissive and obedient to the teacher.
2. Al-Ikhwan al-Akhyar, the group of aged 30-40 years old. At this level they've been able to maintain the brotherhood, merciful, affection, and ready to sacrifice for the sake of brotherhood (Teacher level).
3. Al-Ikhwan al-Fudhala 'al-Kiram, the group of aged 40-50 years old. In the state their position same with the sultan and the judge. They already know the rules of God as the level of the prophets.
4. Al-Kamal, the group aged 50 years and up more. They are called as the level of al-Muqarrabin min Allah, because they've been able to understand the nature of things that they have been over the nature of reality, the shari'ah and revelation as the Angel of al-Muqarrabun. (Ridla, 2002: 147)
Beside preaching and education Ikhwan Al-Shafa also pay attention to the science. According to them, knowledge and effort of looking for it, is a frontrunner among the various goodness. This is the main obligation after the recognition of the existence of Allah and the Prophet Muhammad.
Enthusiasm for science,believed to bring in perfection, because of knowledge and goodness, they connected each other. Knowledge gives goodness or moral and material advantages. The knowledge that has been acquired should be deliver to others.
This is the most important media for interpersonal relationship building morale. Teaching and educating or spread knowledge is the essence of good thing.
With this reasoning, Ismail and Lois Lamya al-Faruqi says, fraternity (Ikhwan Al-Shafa) is studying and reviewing almost all the branches of science. Then they arrange them into a single structure.
Thus, the epistle of Ikhwan Al-Shafa wrote all the fields of scholarly study. Starting from botany, genealogical, mineralogy, mathematics, geography, music law, religion, and others. Ikhwan Al-Shafa classifies sciencebased on ethical meaning. And, from all of them, unify by Shari’a.
(Republika, 31 Agustus 2010)
C. Masterpiece of Ikhwan Al-Shafa Their names increasingly soar through Rasa'il Al-Ikhwan Al-Shafa