The Islamic policies of the Sudan Government, 1899 - 1924

Abstract

The present work intends to study the policy the Anglo-Egyptian rulers adopted towards Islam when their joint rule was established in the Sudan in 1899. The period covered by this study is extended from 1899 to 1924. Besides an introduction and the conclusion the main body of the work has been divided into six chapters. For convenience, each chapter has been sub-divided into sections. Giving a brief historical background leading to the establishment of the joint Anglo-Egyptian rule in the Sudan in 1899, the introduction introduces to the reader the prime necessity for adopting a policy of religious non-interference. It also indicates the Government intention to restore the orthodox Islam in the country. Chapter I dwells upon the Government policy towards the official institutions of the orthodox Islam – vis, the courts administering the Sharia Law and the public mosques. Along these it also throws light on the Government attitude towards the pilgrimage to Mecca and the chief Muslim religious festivals. Chapter II discusses the Government policy towards the traditional methods and institutions of education of the Sudanese Muslims, which in different ways represented orthodox Islam in the Sudan. Chapter III deals with the Sudanese religious brotherhoods, their origin, methods of organisation and their rituals. But more important, it, at the end, discusses the new Government’s policy toward these religious brotherhoods. Chapter IV casts light on the Government policy towards the Hahdists and their leader. It falls into two periods: one from 1899 to 1913 and the other 1914 to 1924. It discusses the policy on the basis of the four elements of Mahdism, vis, its doctrine; leader; sacred writings, objects and places; and its methods of organisation. Chapter V deals with the Government policy to protect the Muslim North form the influence of the Christian Missions. It also indicates the Government missionary policy vis a vis Islam in the Southern Sudan. It shows how the religious political ends. The Conclusion concludes with the explanation why the so called policy of religious non-interference was possible on the part of the British rulers. It also tries to bring to light the effects and impacts of twenty-five years of Anglo-Egyptian rule on the Sudanese Muslims.