The following pages try to analyze the way the state of Sudan functions and to what extend Islam is influencing it. We speak of a widely unknown country and its political experiences are seldomly known to Austrians, even not to students of political science. Despite of that I am not trying to introduce a country, but to go directly to the state after a small showing of the political history of the state, which is needed for the analyses. If we speak of Sectarian politics in Sudan we first have to define the word sect, as its connotation is not only positive. As a sect a group of people, which has separated from a larger group and with a particular set of religious or political beliefs, which are strongly held and regarded by others as extreme is meant by definition (Sidahmed 1997:23). In Sudanese studies the word sect refers to two groups with a religious belief network but the emphasis is laid on their political agenda and actions. In the following paper the term sect is following this emphasis, and doesn’t imply any judges about religious beliefs or extremes. I don’t want to meet the challenge of analyzing or even judging the rightness of secularism or political Islam. What I try to do is to show how politics in the state of Sudan function and what role Islam has played and still plays. In the same way one could analyze the United States politics and the impact of Christianity. It is clear though, even if it is tried to reach, that a total objectivism is not possible. [...]
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- 1. Introduction
- 2. Islam and political parties
- 2.1. Religion before the Independent Sudan
- 2.1.1. The early Islamisation period and the Khatmiyya
- 2.1.2. The Turkiyya
- 2.1.3. Mahdism
- 2.1.4. Neo-Mahdism
- 2.2. Formation of Political Parties
- 2.2.1. Unionist versus Nationalists
- 2.2.2. The Political Parties
- 2.4. Politics in the independent Sudan
- 2.4.1. After independence
- 2.4.2. After Nimeiri
- 2.4.3. The National Islamic Front rules
- 3. Islam and the state
- 3.1 Islamic thought on the state
- 4. Islam and Identity
- 5. Democratic process and Islamic impact
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This paper analyzes the role of Islam in Sudan's political processes. It aims to explain how Islamic influence shaped the formation of political parties and the functioning of the Sudanese state, avoiding judgment on secularism versus political Islam. The analysis focuses on the historical context and the interplay between religious and political forces.
- The impact of Islam on the formation of Sudanese political parties.
- The relationship between Islam and the Sudanese state throughout its history.
- The role of religious sects (Khatmiyya, Ansar) in Sudanese politics.
- The influence of Mahdism and its lasting effects on Sudanese identity and nationalism.
- The interplay between democratic processes and Islamic influence in Sudan.
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
1. Introduction: This chapter provides a concise overview of Sudanese politics since independence, highlighting the cyclical nature of democratic and military rule. It introduces the concept of "sect" within the Sudanese context and clarifies the paper's objective: to analyze the role of Islam in Sudanese politics without judging its merits. The chapter sets the stage by briefly summarizing key political periods and transitions, from early democratic phases influenced by religious sects to the military rule under Nimeiri and subsequent periods.
2. Islam and political parties: This chapter examines the historical influence of Islam on the development of political parties in Sudan. It begins by tracing the Islamisation of the region, focusing on the rise of the Khatmiyya and Mahdist/Ansar movements. The chapter explores how these religious movements, initially focused on spiritual matters, evolved to play significant roles in the political landscape, influencing the formation and ideologies of various political parties. It sets the stage for understanding the deeply intertwined nature of religion and politics in Sudan’s development.
2.1. Religion before the Independent Sudan: This section delves into the historical development of religious movements in Sudan prior to its independence. It details the establishment of the Funj Sultanate and the subsequent rise of Sufi orders, particularly the Khatmiyya, and their interactions with the Turco-Egyptian rule. The emergence of Mahdism as a powerful counterforce to foreign rule is analyzed, emphasizing its role in shaping Sudanese nationalism and its lasting influence on the political system. The section contrasts the organizational structures and strategies of different religious movements, highlighting their political implications.
3. Islam and the state: This chapter is expected to explore the complex relationship between Islamic thought and the Sudanese state. It will likely analyze how Islamic principles and interpretations have influenced state structures, policies, and governance. This might include examining the role of Islamic law (Sharia) in the legal system and the extent to which the state has adopted or promoted Islamic values. It would connect these aspects to the overarching theme of the paper by exploring the direct influence of Islamic ideology on the state's operations.
4. Islam and Identity: This chapter will likely examine the role of Islam in shaping Sudanese national identity. It may explore how Islamic beliefs and practices have contributed to a sense of shared culture and belonging among the Sudanese people. The chapter may also address how religious identity intersects with other forms of identity, such as tribal or ethnic affiliations, and the potential for conflict or cooperation between these different identities. It would discuss the extent to which Islam unites or divides the Sudanese population and its role in political mobilization.
5. Democratic process and Islamic impact: This chapter is likely to analyze the interplay between democratic processes and the impact of Islamic influence in Sudan. It will likely investigate how Islamic ideas and institutions affect political participation, elections, and human rights. This chapter would assess the degree to which Islamic principles are compatible with democratic values and practices in the Sudanese context, considering the historical challenges in reconciling these two spheres.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
Sudan, Islam, political parties, Khatmiyya, Mahdism, Ansar, sectarianism, nationalism, state, identity, democracy, political Islam, secularism, Turco-Egyptian rule, religious movements, Islamic thought, Sharia.
Frequently Asked Questions: A Comprehensive Language Preview of Islam and Politics in Sudan
What is the main focus of this paper?
This paper analyzes the complex relationship between Islam and political processes in Sudan. It examines how Islamic influence shaped the formation of political parties and the functioning of the Sudanese state, without taking a position on secularism versus political Islam. The analysis emphasizes the historical context and the interplay between religious and political forces.
What are the key themes explored in this paper?
The key themes include: the impact of Islam on the formation of Sudanese political parties; the relationship between Islam and the Sudanese state throughout its history; the role of religious sects (Khatmiyya, Ansar) in Sudanese politics; the influence of Mahdism and its lasting effects on Sudanese identity and nationalism; and the interplay between democratic processes and Islamic influence in Sudan.
What historical periods are covered in the analysis?
The analysis covers a broad historical sweep, including the pre-independence era, focusing on the rise of significant religious movements like the Khatmiyya and Mahdism, the period of independence, the rule of Nimeiri, and the subsequent periods up to the time of the writing.
How does the paper address the role of religious sects?
The paper specifically addresses the roles of the Khatmiyya and Ansar movements, examining their historical development, their influence on the political landscape, and their impact on the formation and ideologies of political parties.
What is the significance of Mahdism in the context of this paper?
Mahdism is highlighted as a powerful force that significantly shaped Sudanese nationalism and continues to have a lasting influence on the political system. The paper analyzes its emergence as a counterforce to foreign rule and its impact on Sudanese identity.
How does the paper approach the relationship between Islam and the state?
The paper explores the complex interplay between Islamic thought and the Sudanese state, considering how Islamic principles and interpretations have influenced state structures, policies, and governance. This includes examining the role of Sharia law and the extent to which the state has adopted or promoted Islamic values.
What is the paper's perspective on the interplay between democracy and Islamic influence?
The paper investigates how Islamic ideas and institutions have affected political participation, elections, and human rights in Sudan. It assesses the compatibility of Islamic principles with democratic values and practices in the Sudanese context, acknowledging the historical challenges in reconciling these two spheres.
What are the key chapters and their respective focuses?
The paper is organized into chapters covering: an introduction to Sudanese politics; Islam and political parties (including a detailed look at pre-independence religious movements); Islam and the state; Islam and identity; and finally, democratic processes and Islamic impact. Each chapter delves into specific aspects of the relationship between Islam and politics in Sudan.
What are some of the key terms used in the paper?
Key terms include Sudan, Islam, political parties, Khatmiyya, Mahdism, Ansar, sectarianism, nationalism, state, identity, democracy, political Islam, secularism, Turco-Egyptian rule, religious movements, Islamic thought, and Sharia.
- Citation du texte
- Sabine Putzgruber (Auteur), 2003, The Role of Islam in the Political Process in Sudan, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/35766
