Mahmoud Muhammad Taha: A neglected Sudanese Sufi thinker and his significance today

Discover the ideas of Mahmud Muhammad Taha (d. 1985), the Sudanese thinker behind the “Second Message of Islam,” who advocated a new and deeper understanding of the Qur’an that was more in line with modern demands of democracy and the rights of women and non-Muslims. Join Michel Hoebink for a lively discussion of his new book, alongside a select panel of speakers. Together, they will explore Taha’s groundbreaking ideas and their enduring relevance today, while also reflecting on current developments in Sudan.

*Please note: This event takes place at VOX-POP (Binnengasthuisstraat 9), ground floor.*

Mahmoud Muhammad Taha was the leader of a small group of Muslim modernist activists in the Sudan in the 1960s and 70s. Taha and his followers advocated what they called the Second Message of Islam, a new and deeper understanding of the Qur’an that was more in line with modern demands of democracy and the rights of women and non-Muslims. In 1985 Taha was convicted of apostasy under Sudan’s new Islamic law and hanged.

In his recent book Sufi Evolutionism, Michel Hoebink investigates the little-known mystical theology underlying Taha’s reform. This theology is based on medieval Sufi concepts and pioneers an Islamic theory of evolution and the notion of the Qur’an as a historical text, some parts of which were relevant for the seventh century but no longer today.

A panel of speakers including the author will explore Taha’s groundbreaking ideas and their enduring relevance, while also reflecting on current developments in Sudan

After a short introduction by the author, panel members Liana Saif, Imad Babikir, Maaike Voorhoeve and Steve Howard will address different aspects of Taha’s thought. Moderation by Dzenita Karic. We will close with an interactive Q&A.