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Rusin, Cristi
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A Different Kind of Political Islam: The Ideas of The Sudanese Scholar Mahmoud Mohamed Taha Rusin, Cristi
Journal of Islamic History Vol. 5 No. 2 (2025): Journal of Islamic History
Publisher : Nur Science Institute

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.53088/jih.v5i2.2191

Abstract

Ustadh Mahmoud Mohamed Taha is one of the least known but most interesting figures in Sudanese history. The movement he led, the Republican Brotherhood, played a significant role in the debates within Sudanese society during the 1950s-1980s. This study presents the life and thought of this figure, analyzing his main work: The Second Message of Islam. This volume forms the foundation of his entire Islamist ideology, a progressive, pacifist, and tolerant Islamism very different from that of the Muslim Brotherhood in Egypt. The essential characteristic of his conception is linked to the distinction between the Islamic message revealed in Mecca and that in Medina — more precisely, between the Meccan and Medinan surahs. He believed that the core teachings of the Qur’an with universal and timeless applicability are the Meccan ones, whereas the laws from Medina are temporary. These unique interpretations by Taha brought him into direct conflict with the Sudanese authorities, who accused him of apostasy — a conflict that ultimately culminated in his execution. His movement and ideas, unusual for traditional Islam, remain a relevant example of an attempt to modernize Islam and perhaps could have contributed to preserving Sudan's unity. REFERENCES Adrahtas, Vassilios (2020), "From Tradition to Modernity and Vice Versa: The Progressive Islam of Mahmoud Muhammad Taha", Journal for the Academic Study of Religion, vol. 33, no. 1, pp.24–44. An-Na'im, Abdullahi Ahmed, (1989), Constitutionalism and Islamization in the Sudan, in “Africa Today”, nr.3-4, pp.11-18. An-Na'im, Abdullahi Ahmed (1988), Mahmud Muhammad Taha and the crisis in Islamic law reform: implications for interreligious relations, in “Journal of Ecumenical Studies”, nr.1, pp.1-21. Besancon, Marie, (2017), Islam in from the Cold: A Muslim Brother's Reflections on the Past, Present, and Future of the Islamic Movement in the Sudan, in "The Struggle for Security in Africa", nr.4, pp.112-135. El-Tigani Mahmoud, Mahgoub (2003), State and Religion in the Sudan: A Study in the Role of the Religious Factor in the Political Development of Sudan (1898–1985), Lewiston: Edwin Mellen Press. El-Tigani Mahmoud, Mahgoub (2023), Islam and Secularism in Muslim Thought: Critical Perspectives, Lewiston: Edwin Mellen Press. Fluehr‑Lobban, Carolyn (1990), Islamization in Sudan: A Critical Assessment, “Middle East Journal”, vol. 44, nr. 4, pp.615–634. Howard, Steven, (1988), Mahmoud Mohammed Taha: A Remarkable Teacher in Sudan, in “Northeast African Studies”, nr.1, pp.83-93. Howard, Steven, (2016), Modern Muslims. A sudan memoir, Athens: Ohio University Press. Magnarella, Paul J. (1982), „The Republican Brothers: A Reformist Movement in the Sudan”, Muslim World, vol. 72, pp. 14–21. Mahmoud, Mohamed A. (2006), Quest for Divinity: A Critical Examination of the Thought of Mahmud Muhammad Taha, Syracuse: Syracuse University Press. O’Sullivan, Declan (2001), "The Death Sentence for Mahmoud Muhammad Taha: Misuse of the Sudanese Legal System and Islamic Shari’a Law?", The International Journal of Human Rights, vol. 5, no. 4, pp. 77–85. Packer, George, (2006), The Moderate Martyr. A radically peaceful vision of Islam, in The New Yorker Magazine, September 11, 2006, pp.50-63. Taha, Mahmoud Mohamed, (1996), The Second Message of Islam, translated by Abdullahi Ahmed An-Na’im, Syracuse: Syracuse University Press. Voll, John O. (2015), "Mahmoud Muhammad Taha", in Oxford Bibliographies in Islamic Studies, ed. by Andrew Rippin, New York: Oxford University Press. Warburg, Gabriel R. ,(1990), The Sharia in Sudan: Implementation and Repercussions, 1983-1989, in “Middle East Journal” , nr.4, pp.624-637. - (1990), The Holy Bible. New King James Version, Nashville, Thomas Nelson. - (2003), The Noble Qur’an: English Translation of the meanings and commentary, translated by Dr. Muhammad Taqi-ud-Din Al-Hilali and Dr. Muhammad Muhsin Khan, Madinah, King Fahd Complex Fort The Printing of Qur’an.
Divergent Interpretations of Jihād in West Africa: a Historical Analysis of the Al-Muridiyyah and Boko Haram Movements Rusin, Cristi
Journal of Islamic History Vol. 6 No. 1 (2026): Journal of Islamic History
Publisher : Nur Science Institute

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.53088/jih.v6i1.2901

Abstract

This paper explores the divergent interpretations of jihād in contemporary West Africa through a comparative study of two Islamic movements: Boko Haram in Nigeria and the Al-Muridiyyah order in Senegal. While jihād is often misrepresented in global discourse as synonymous with “holy war,” this concept encompasses a broader range of meanings in Islamic tradition, including ethical self-discipline and spiritual struggle. Nigeria has become one of the most affected countries by Islamist terrorism, with Boko Haram’s violent jihadist ideology causing tens of thousands of deaths, targeting both Muslims and Christians. In contrast, Senegal has remained free from jihadist attacks, despite being a majority-Muslim country. This exceptional stability is attributed largely to the influence of Sufi brotherhoods, particularly the Al-Muridiyyah, which promotes a peaceful, work-centered, and spiritual understanding of jihād, rooted in the teachings of Amadou Bamba (1853-1927), Woerner‑Powell (2025). Through this comparative analysis, the article highlights how religious interpretation, historical context, and sociopolitical factors shape divergent trajectories within Islamic societies, and how localized spiritual traditions can serve as effective cultural buffers against religious extremism. REFERENCES Abimbola, Adesoji (2010), The Boko Haram Uprising and Islamic Revivalism in Nigeria, Africa Spectrum, 45(2), 95-108. Agbiboa, D. E. (2013). No retreat, no surrender: Understanding the religious terrorism of Boko Haram in Nigeria. African Study Monographs, 34(2), 65-84. Ajala, O. (2018). Formation of insurgent groups: MEND and Boko Haram in Nigeria. Small Wars & Insurgencies, 29(1), 112–130. Babou, Cheikh Anta (2007), Fighting the Greater Jihad: Amadu Bamba and the Founding of the Muridiyya of Senegal, 1853–1913, Athens: Ohio University Press. Bamba, Sheikh Ahmadou (2009), Ways unto Heaven (Masalik-ul-Jinan), translated by Abdoul Aziz Mbacke, Atlanta: Institute Islamic Khadimou Rassoul. Firestone, Reuven (1999), Jihad: The Origin of Holy War in Islam, Oxford & New York: Oxford University Press. Forest, J. J. F. (2012). Confronting the terrorism of Boko Haram in Nigeria. MacDill Air Force Base: The JSOU Press. Ghandour, Mahmoud (2002), Jihad in Islam: The Misunderstood Doctrine, New York: Vantage Press. Glover, John (2007), Sufism and Jihad in Modern Senegal: The Murid Order, Rochester: University of Rochester Press. Joos, Louis C. D. (1966), Scurtă istorie a Africii Negre, București: Editura Politică. Kabbani, Shaykh Muhammad Hisham (2010), Jihad: Principles of Leadership in War and Peace, Fenton: Islamic Supreme Council of America. Kassim, Abdulbasit & Nwankpa, Michael (2018), The Boko Haram Reader: From Nigerian Preachers to the Islamic State, Oxford & New York: Oxford University Press. Last, Murray (1967), The Sokoto Caliphate, London: Longmans, Green and Co. MacEachern, S. (2018). Searching for Boko Haram: A history of violence in Central Africa. New York: Oxford University Press. Mahalli, Jalalu’d Din & Al-Suyuti, Jalalu’d Din (2007), Tafsir Al-Jalalayn, London: Dar Al-Taqwa Ltd. Murphy, E. Jefferson (1981), Istoria Civilizației Africane, vol. II, translated by Corneliu Rudescu, București: Editura Minerva. Niasse, Ibrahim (2014), In the Meadow of Tafsir for the Noble Qur’an, translated by Moctar Boubakar, Atlanta: Fayda Books. Radian, Liana (1966), Senegal, București: Editura Științifică. Rusin, Cristi  (2019), The Ideological Origins of a Terrorist group: Boko Haram. Analele Universității București: Istorie, 68(1-2), 91-115. Rusin, Cristi (2021), Originile ideologice ale grupării teroriste Boko Haram, București: Editura TopForm. Rusin, Cristi (2023), Combaterea terorismului ca element de consolidare a relațiilor diplomatice din Africa. Studiu de caz: Boko Haram, Nigeria și Ciad, București: Editura TopForm. Rusin, Cristi (2024), “Relația dintre Amadou Bamba și administrația colonială franceză din Senegal”, în Oameni, Crize și Soluții în Istorie, ed. Florentina Nițu & Elena Adelina Tudor, București: Editura Universității din București. Sambe, Bakary (2010), Islam et diplomatie: La politique africaine du Maroc, Paris: Éditions Karthala. Smith, Mike (2017), Boko Haram: Cea mai sângeroasă grupare teroristă a lumii, translated by Dragoș Zetu, București: Editura Corint. Solomon, H. (2015). Terrorism and counter-terrorism in Africa: Fighting insurgency from Al Shabaab, Ansar Dine and Boko Haram. London: Palgrave Macmillan. Ulph, Stephen (2013), Boko Haram: Investigating the Ideological Background to the Rise of an Islamist Militant Organization, McLean: Westminster Institute. Umar, M. S. (2012). The popular discourses of Salafi radicalism and Salafi counter-radicalism in Nigeria: A case study of Boko Haram. Journal of Religion in Africa, 42(2), 118-144. Ware, Rudolph; Wright, Zachary & Sayed, Amir (2018), Jihad of the Pen: The Sufi Literature of West Africa, Cairo & New York: The American University in Cairo Press. Ware, R. (2022). Principled pacifism in Islamic West Africa. In J. Cole (Ed.), Peace movements in Islam: History, religion, and politics (pp. 75–88). London: I.B. Tauris. Woerner‑Powell, T. (2025). Hierarchy, community, and nonviolence in Senegal: Amadou Bamba’s legacy in contemporary Islamic philosophy. In Pacifism and non‑violence in contemporary Islamic philosophy (pp. 24–53). Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. Zenn, J., Barkindo, A., & Heras, N. A. (2013). The ideological evolution of Boko Haram in Nigeria: Merging local Salafism and international jihadism. The RUSI Journal, 158(4), 46-53. Zenn, J. (2014). Nigerian Al-Qa‘edism. Current Trends in Islamist Ideology, 16, 99–117. - (2003), The Holy Qur’an, translated by Abdullah Yusuf Ali, Ware: Wordsworth Editions Limited.
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