Mahdi Sudani: A study based on Weber's charismatic leadership theory and discourse analysis

Document Type : Original Research

Author
Raheleh Mohammadbagher
Department of Islamic Studies, Farhangian University, Tehran, Iran
Abstract
Muhammad Ahmad ibn ‘Abd Allah, known as the Sudanese Mahdi, in 1881 CE, claimed the title of Mahdi by sending letters to the notables and tribal leaders of Sudan, thus emerging as the leader of the Mahdist movement. His movement combined Sufi teachings and orders with political and social orientations. Drawing upon his personal attributes as both a religious leader and a political activist, he transformed the values of his followers and fostered their alignment with him. By employing fiery speeches, promises of liberation to the masses, and hope for a better future, he paved the way for the proclamation of Mahdism in Sudan.The primary focus of this study is to explain the personality of the Sudanese Mahdi within the framework of Max Weber’s theory of charismatic leadership. In addition to his personal characteristics, the social and political crises in Sudan may also have facilitated the emergence of a charismatic leader espousing a Mahdist ideology. The findings of this research indicate that, through his personal qualities, specific actions, engagement with the current of Mahdism, and the introduction of a new discourse aimed at resolving the prevailing political and social crises—culminating in the selection of caliphs and successors after him—he can be regarded as a charismatic leader in the formation of the Mahdist movement.Given the sociological orientation of the article, the research methodology is descriptive-analytical, based on Weber’s theory of charisma, and relies on primary historical sources as well as library-based data.

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Subjects

historical sociology
Volume 16, Issue 1
October 2025