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, and Steve Howard will address different aspects of Taha’s thought. We will close with an interactive Q&A.