ABSTRACT
The Socialist Theists were a product of their social and historical circumstances. Their thought can be better understood when these circumstances are taken into consideration. In this chapter, an attempt is made to examine the social and political context in which the group was formed, by going beyond the history of the formation and activities of the group and studying the broad historical background that influenced the minds of its founders and members. Which schools of thought were influential in persuading them to adopt a new approach to Islam, distinguished by their innovative synthesis of Islam and socialism, is also considered. It is particularly significant to see which social or intellectual factors were pointed out by the Socialist Theists themselves as having an influence on their views.
