The Evolution of the Organizational Elements of the Mahdia Movement During its Control of Sudan (1881-1889)

Abstract

The main reason for preparing this study is searching in the organizational Elements adopted by the Mahdia movement in order to administer its internal affairs. To achieve this goal, the study relied on the historical research approach, through which it can benefit from sources and references and helps to analyze the stories and events throughout the study. The study concluded that the movement, represented by its chief, Mohammed Al-Mahdi, managed to employ the Sufi side of its supporters' faith to formulate the governing laws of relations between individuals and the movement. Moreover, the movement employed the Islamic political concepts, related to the establishment of the state, to serve their goal. As a consequence, the movement gained a significant support by a large section of the Sudanese society. Hence, these people put all their energies to support the movement and achieve its major objectives which were liberating the country from foreign domination and revitalizing Islamic feelings among individuals.