The Mahdist Revolution: The day the "awaited Mahdi" established a state in Sudan

The Mahdist Revolution is considered one of the most prominent religious and political revolutions that Sudan witnessed at the end of the 19th century. Its first spark was ignited in 1881 by Muhammad Ahmad, who claimed to be the awaited Mahdi. His call was based on two pillars: religious renewal and resistance to colonialism, represented by the Turco-Egyptian rule under British influence. This revolution achieved significant victories, culminating in the declaration of an independent state in 1885, encompassing most of Sudan and lasting for approximately two decades. However, the economic crises and internal unrest that plagued the state paved the way for a joint Anglo-Egyptian occupation that finally toppled it in 1898. **Historical Causes of the Mahdist Revolution** Sudan underwent significant political and economic transformations following its annexation by Muhammad Ali Pasha to Egypt in 1821. From that date onward, Sudan came under the administration of the Turco-Egyptian government, which adopted a centralized structure that prioritized Cairo's interests at the expense of the Sudanese people. This regime was characterized by its harshness and its exploitation of Sudan's natural resources without any regard for improving the living conditions of the population. The occupation burdened farmers and herders with heavy taxes, leading to the decline of the agricultural sector and widespread poverty in rural areas. Governors also employed forced labor to ensure a sufficient workforce for public projects such as road construction and the transport of goods, further fueling resentment among the population. In addition, the slave trade agreement signed between Egypt and Britain in 1877 brought about radical changes in the local economy, which had been heavily reliant on the slave trade. This resulted in economic crises that angered merchants and influential figures. Under these oppressive economic policies, the Turco-Egyptian administration disregarded the social and cultural specificities of Sudan and failed to respect local traditions in its governance. This created an environment rife with popular discontent, paving the way for a widespread resistance movement aimed at overthrowing the autocratic regime. Despite attempts by some tribal leaders to rebel against this harsh system, the governor's power prevented these attempts from succeeding. The leaders faced either execution or forced to flee to avoid the consequences. These difficult circumstances created the ideal climate for the outbreak of the Mahdist Revolution as a collective movement seeking comprehensive change. **The Emergence of the Mahdist Movement** During this period, Sufi orders flourished in Sudan, offering a refuge from the deteriorating political and economic conditions. Among the orders that gained widespread popularity were the Qadiriyya, Tijaniyya, and Khatmiyya. Amidst these circumstances, Muhammad Ahmad ibn Abdullah emerged to establish the Mahdist movement. He was distinguished by his religious and scholarly standing; he was a memorizer of the Quran and a scholar of jurisprudence and hadith, in addition to being deeply influenced by the Sufi path, which formed a significant part of his personality. After the death of his sheikh, al-Qurashi, the leader of the Sammaniyya order, Muhammad Ahmad assumed the position. Through his criticism of the corruption and injustice perpetrated by the Turco-Egyptian administration, he gained considerable social influence, attracting many followers. Muhammad Ahmad declared to those close to him that he was the awaited Mahdi, whose coming had been foretold by the Prophet to spread justice and establish truth. This declaration was based on a vision in which, according to his account, the Prophet Muhammad told him that he should undertake this mission. The call to Islam began cautiously and secretly before being officially declared in 1881 on Aba Island, south of Khartoum. The Mahdi sent a letter to Muhammad Raouf Pasha, the governor of the Turco-Egyptian administration, inviting him to support his cause. This declaration was not a mere formality, but a pivotal turning point that transformed Muhammad Ahmad from a Sufi religious leader into a political leader with a reformist vision. His personality—a blend of spirituality, zeal for reform, and courage in the face of injustice—helped him transform his call into a mass movement that established a state with a religious foundation. **The Launch of the Revolution** Initially, the Turco-Egyptian administration ignored the revolution, considering it merely a limited Sufi movement. However, the governor of Khartoum attempted to contain it by sending a delegation to Aba Island.