On the Path of the Prophet in Unsettled Times: Sudan’s Republican Brotherhood Looks Abroad

Mahmoud Mohamed Taha (1909–1985) founded the Republican Brotherhood in early 1950s to promote social reform through a new understanding of divine revelation which had emerged during his two years khalwa or retreat. From 1970s, attracted few thousand followers Ustadh Mahmoud’s teachings, whose foundation was discipline tariq Mohamed, “the Path Prophet.” This challenging design for life that embraced gender equality and justice against backdrop an increasingly Islamist-oriented Sudan. In 1980s, height Brotherhood’s membership, Republicans confronted Sudan President Gaafar Nimeiry’s imposition version “Islamic Law,” with publications street corner lectures. Through peaceful protest, Republican’s point Islamic Law would only be oppressive millions non-Muslims country women. The result this resistance 1985 arrest execution trumped-up charges apostasy. decades following passing their teacher, have kept low profile while trying maintain both faith some cohesion. reaction Islamist political conditions failing economy, many joined Sudanese flight abroad, modest communities now established Gulf States Qatar UAE, as well United States. field work interviews members these three communities, I tried understand effort sustain Prophet by brothers sisters under circumstances extremist orientations politics, “moral ambiguity” study is part larger book project on Mahmoud.