His duty was to return that usurped entity to Sudan. He called out, and the eloquent call spread its tents with the slogan "Sudan for the Sudanese." This call was the beginning of the independence movement, sponsored by Imam Abd al-Rahman and led by the Umma Party, which overcame all obstacles and achieved victory.

Sudan had been subjected to a dual rule since the invasion. This abnormal system led to the emergence of a new Sudanese entity in administration, economy, literature, and social life. It was natural for this situation to support the independence trend for the country's future.

Sudanese political parties emerged around the two demands of independence and union with Egypt. The call for union sought justification in cooperation to expel the British. When their departure was achieved, the Sudanese entity compelled everyone involved in the country's political life to adhere to Sudan's independence.

God bestowed upon Imam Abd al-Rahman rare personal qualities. His generosity knew no bounds, and his chivalry, succor, and magnanimity were a source of astonishment and admiration for his countrymen. His council was open to friend and foe, and his company was pleasant to the distant and the near, which elevated him to a special place in people's hearts. He truly became a father to the Sudanese with his affectionate embrace and his compassionate heart's affection, and their loyalty was won by his leadership in establishing and strengthening the movements and actions that formed the new Sudan.

Imam Abd al-Rahman was pious, devout, and a worshiper, strict with himself in adhering to the tenets of religion. As for people, he dealt with them with kindness and ease to guide them and unite their souls in applying Islam, avoiding aversion and acting in the best way.

The following pages do not present a history of the life of Sayyid Imam Abd al-Rahman al-Mahdi, but rather recount some of his stances. We have taken the first part from the memoirs that Imam Abd al-Rahman dictated to his sons, Sayyids Abd al-Rahman al-Amin, Bashir Muhammad Said, and Zayn al-Abidin Husayn. They recorded his life. The first part consists of what could be salvaged from the notes of those gentlemen, providing partial compensation for what was lost. The second part was compiled by the editorial committee, with contributions from Sayyid Yusuf Badri and Amin al-Tiyum.

What we aspire to is to begin serious writing about the history of Imam Sayyid Abd al-Rahman al-Mahdi, to reveal all its aspects to the people so that they may know him and his works, and so that those who belittled him for personal, sectarian, or partisan reasons can do justice to this great Sudanese leader, whose works, stances, and ideas will be a great asset to Sudan in the Islamic world, the Arab world, and in the history of African struggle.

Muhammad Ahmad Mahjoub 24