Chapter Three Ibn Tumart's Call to the Almohad Doctrine The Idea of Revolution in Ibn Tumart: Was the idea of revolution to establish a new state in Ibn Tumart a product of the events that occurred with the Sultan in Marrakesh? Or did it arise from the strength and immunity he found among his people, and the increasing admiration and affection for him? Or was it a seed in his soul before that, which continued to grow with days and events until it found its way into the world of reality?

It is difficult to imagine that the idea of revolution in its organizational dimensions was occupying Ibn Tumart when he left his homeland, heading east in search of knowledge. This is because his scientific and intellectual personality, in which this religiously based idea matured, was not yet complete at that time. Its completion came only after extensive study of Islamic sciences. Moreover, the idea of revolution is not one of those ideas that can be postponed for the entire fifteen years he spent in the East. Rather, its nature is to hasten its appearance into the realm of achievement and application. However, this does not mean that during that period he did not hold some reservations about the Moroccan reality, socially and politically. It is more likely, having reached the age of twenty-six, that he viewed this reality with the eye of a discerning critic. Several aspects displeased him, and he developed a rejection and resentment towards them.

See: (1) Abdullah Al-Kanun, Moroccan Genius, p. 99, who says: "Perhaps Ibn Tumart did not travel to the East except with the idea of revolution against the Moroccan ruler in his head, especially in the social sphere." We agree with him if he means by revolution the stage of resentment and rejection.