Sudan Archive

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The primary figures in Sudan are Muhammad Othman and his son Muhammad Al-Hassan. The book, in general, is a very important reference for anyone wishing to grasp the history of the Khatmiyya, and it contains accurate and detailed information that we can only find in this great work about the Mirghanis and their role in Sudan. John Voll erred when he did not rely on Ibn Idris Al-Nasih in his presentation of dates and information, as he did not reach the clarification. Hence the importance of this author. There are other studies by contemporaries such as Dr. Ahmed Mohamed Ahmed Jali, who wrote a book under the title (The Khatmiyya Sect: Its Historical Origins and Most Important Teachings). This book deals with the Khatmiyya with a focus on its teachings and beliefs, weighing them by the standard of Sharia and knowing the extent to which these ideas conform to Islamic Sharia. As for the sect's political role and its religious movement, it is presented in this book in a concise manner with general references to the most prominent features of the sect's political action. This study is not without its flaws and shortcomings. It appears that its author wrote critically of the Khatmiyya's paths and political activities. The author elaborated and expanded when discussing the Khatmiyya's doctrines, analyzing their ideas extensively and attributing a number of philosophical views to them. I have clarified some of Dr. Jali's statements and responded to them. There is also another book by one of the Khatmiyya's supporters, Mr. Muhammad Hamed Muhammad Khair, titled (The Khatmiyya: Creed, Methodology, and History). He speaks in a language of defense and support for his sect, which deprives it of the most important scientific characteristics that serious research should possess. It seems to me that when he discusses the biographies of the Khatmiyya sheikhs, he relies on oral traditions. However, these studies clarify a part of the Khatmiyya's patterns of thinking and analysis. In reality, the great religious movement led by the Mirghani family in Sudan constituted a unique phenomenon and represented a distinct current in the history of Sudanese studies. The massive presence of Khatmiyya followers, the extensive reach of this group at all levels, and the profound influence that became evident among most Sudanese people as a result of this sect's contributions – all these things lead one to explore the sources of strength and impetus that made the Khatmiyya order occupy such a large space in the hearts of Sudanese people and find such growing acceptance at one time in the history of this country. The Khatmiyya order is Islamic in its origin and foundation. It relied in its thought, discourse, and action on the true Islamic religion, which resulted in the greatest outcomes for the Sudanese people in social and moral reform. The Khatmiyya order bequeathed to the Sudanese intellect, until the middle of this century, religion and knowledge, and linked this mentality to Islam more and more, nurturing within it a love for Islam and its Sharia.

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