Turabi's Revoluation: Islam and Power in Sudan
04 December, 2014Khartoum (Sudanow) Author of the book: Abdelwahab El-Affendi, London: Grey Seal 1991.
The author places the current Sudanese Muslim brotherhood revivalism tides in the context of Sudan's recent history. He analyzes the movement's ideology and political tactics comparing it with other groups elsewhere.
The book consists of three parts. The first two chapters examine the general context of modern revivalism movement in Islam and specific Sudanese environment in which movement emerged. The next four chapters are historical examination of the Ikhwan (Brotherhood) movement in the Sudan from its inception to its emergence as a major political party during April 1986 elections. The choice of the latter date is in a sense arbitrary and aims to avoid going forever. It is, however, significant historically as it represents a major landmark to the movement's and the country history.
The historical discussion treats the growth of the movement within the context of modern Sudanese political history, and follows its organizational development and its general evolution. The third and final part in the last three chapters is an overview, treating the movement's ideological development and its interaction with the world lying beyond its immediate political field of action. The South was dealt with in the context because it had remained for all practical purpose an external factor so far as the movement is concerned.
Chapter 9 “Turabi ideological revolution” from which the book took its title, discusses the revolution which Turabi was working to create this modern Islamic thought.
Topics of the chapter included: Islamic socialism, Islamic constitution, Islamic Charter Front and its split, freedom and democracy, revolution and transition, reconciliation and participation, unity and diversity, Prayer first, tawhid (oneness, unity and uniqueness), tajidid (revival, renewal), the methodology of interpretation, women, art, non-Muslim and international order.
The affirmation of the idea of progress was the key element for Turabi as described by the author, he added "he was intensely self – conscious on treatment of the issues facing the movement. Turabi's explanations for his actions and his movements look more like those of a social scientist more than of a movement ideologue. Significant component of Turabi's revolution is the way he shifted from an attitude …….from the uncompromising and rejectionist attitude of Maududi and Qutb (Pakistani and Egyptian Muslim Brotherhood leaders) to political and ideological pragmatism. Turabi tried to overcome both the idealist of Maududi and the hardiness of other Ikhwan groups and proceeded directly to build within the system a powerful group that would advocate Islam etc…"
Titles of the chapters of the book read:
1. The Islamic revival
2. Secularism in Sudan
3. The Emergence of Ikhwan
4. The Islamic Charter Front
5. Countdown to May
6. The Nimiri years
7. The National Islamic Front
8. External Relation
9. Turabi's Ideological revolution
10. Conclusion
It is necessary to mention that the author consulted about thirty eight interviews made with Turabi in different periodicals. Also it is necessary to mention that forty one organizations and their definitions included in the book. And the comprehensive bibliography is a valuable tool for research.
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