An Analytical Survey on Epistemological Principles of Ikhvani Salafism

Having its roots in the Sunni political thoughts derived from Hassan al-Banna, the great founder of al-Ikhwan al-Muslimeen (Muslim Brotherhood), this movement is one of the moderate Salafi groups that holds specific positions and doctrines. Its epistemology, for instance, differs from other movement’s origins, making it different from the Salafi mainstream. As a result, Ikhvani’s activities and approaches has a great influence on the success or failure of the proximate attempts. This paper, employing a descriptive-analytical method of research, aims at introducing the principles of the movement’s epistemology. According to the findings of the paper, for Ikhvanis the medium of knowledge is not confined to Naghl (Narrations) but includes instinct, senses and experience, reason, and vision. They also put a specific value on each of them; for instance, they emphasize on the presence of theoretical justifications, experiential affairs, and authenticity of narration, regarding respectively reason, experience, and Naghl as the media of knowledge.