Hictory

From The Mahdi To ISIS

In 1881, an obscure local religious leader in Sudan by the name of Mohamed Ahmed declared himself the long awaited Mahdi (divinely guided one). The claim was ridiculous at best, as established religious leaders were quick to proclaim. The prophecies of the coming of the Mahdi, while open to interpretation, clearly did not point to Mohamed Ahmed. His revision of established Islamic principles only led credence to his fraudulent nature. A small expedition sent to arrest him was, however, defeated and for the next two years his banner attracted thousands of followers. Egypt, the ruler of Sudan at the time, was too busy with its own troubles. No soldiers could be sparred to deal with a local annoyance.