Chapter One

The Life of Ibn Tumart Before His Journey to the East

Name and Lineage: 1

Name: 1 Z

The name "Muhammad," attributed to Ibn Tumart, was not a point of contention among historians who wrote his biography. In addition to mentioning him by this name, some, like Ibn Abi al-Dinar, stated it as a confirmation that this was the name agreed upon by historians, saying: "Historians mentioned that the Mahdi's name was Muhammad ibn Abd Allah ibn Abd al-Rahman..."

Among modern researchers, Brunschvig went so far as to say that Ibn Tumart "called himself the Messenger of God and wanted to emulate him in all his actions." However, this statement is based on speculation that has no documentary support. What is mentioned in it, referring to the auspiciousness of the Messenger's name, contradicts it, as it was the custom of Muslims, Arabs and non-Arabs alike, to frequently name their newborns Muhammad out of auspiciousness from birth, not in youth or old age.

Some sources mention that although the Mahdi did not marry and did not have children, he had a kunya (patronymic) which was "Abu Abd Allah." This can be explained by an Arab custom of using a kunya.

1 Ibn Abi al-Dinar, Al-Mu'nis: 2 Brunschvig, Islam in the Maghreb and Andalusia: 3 Ibn al-Khatib, Al-Halal al-Mawshiya: