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.