in celebration of his sons' circumcision, or perhaps it was natural jealousy of Sheikh Ali, his student, who had become very prominent in the hearts of the Samaniyya order. In any case, these disputes led to the expulsion of Muhammad Ahmad from the Samaniyya order.

The descendants of Sheikh Muhammad Sharif Nur al-Da'im do not believe that their ancestor would have done anything contrary to Sharia or Islamic conduct. Therefore, they reject the story that the dispute between Muhammad Ahmad and his teacher was based on the celebrations organized by Muhammad Sharif. Dr. Hassan al-Fatih Qarib Allah believes that reason rejects such a narrative, as it is impossible for the relationship between these two men, which lasted for nearly twenty years, to end in such a way. This relationship was based on respect, trust, and love for God. Throughout these years, Muhammad Ahmad would have learned from his teacher's conduct and character whatever he wished to know. These long years are sufficient to reveal a person's circumstances and inclinations, and to determine the direction of their thoughts and management of affairs. Therefore, the story is rejected from this perspective by the descendants of Sheikh Muhammad Sharif.

Naum Shuqair recounts the cause of the dispute from Sheikh Muhammad Sharif himself, who said: "When Muhammad Ahmad's followers and disciples increased, his ego grew, and Satan tempted him with pride, making him believe he was the greatest on earth and the awaited Mahdi. He confided his claim to me and wished for me to be his minister and advisor, so that he could place all matters in my hands. This was in the year [year omitted]. I rebuked him and admonished him repeatedly. When he did not desist, I convened a council with him, gathering the judges, officials, and some notables. I ordered him to renounce his error and bore witness to God, His Messenger, and the attendees that I would share half of what I possessed in wealth and property with him. He left the council, consulting with his companions, but did not return. From that time, I banished him from the order and told my followers not to be deceived by him if they were hungry. I advised the Qaim Maqam of [place omitted] of the necessity of arresting him and imprisoning him, fearing the escalation of the matter. But he did not act, saying that he was a righteous man, a companion of al-Khidr, and that no harm would befall him."

Holt believes that Shuqair's narrative is questionable for several reasons, perhaps the most important being that it was narrated by Sheikh Muhammad Sharif himself. Muhammad Sharif served under the Mahdi, and therefore this narrative could be merely an attempt to curry favor with the British and Egyptian invaders and to portray himself as the one who foresaw the danger of the Mahdist revolution in its infancy. Therefore, Holt believes that the main cause of the dispute was the growing popularity that Muhammad Ahmad enjoyed at the expense of Sheikh Muhammad Sharif.