236 THE GA'ALlfN AND DANAGLA GROUP iii. i. xl.

We have seen that numbers of Kuraysh entered the Sudan at

various times, but Kuraysh were only one tribe among scores of

others, and the comprehensive claim of the Ga'aliIn to belong to

one special branch of Kuraysh, the Beni 'Abbas, would be difficult

indeed to substantiate. Being themselves in some doubt as to the

facts of the matter they had the less hesitation in making a bold

throw for distinction.