IngentaConnect The Political Thought of Hasan al-Turabi of Sudan

Author: Morrison S.

Source: Islam and Christian-Muslim Relations, Volume 12, Number 2, 1 April 2001 , pp. 153-160(8)

Publisher: Routledge, part of the Taylor & Francis Group

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Abstract:

This paper explicates major aspects of Hasan al-Turab imacr

's political thought and suggests that his work presents an important theoretical model of an Islamic state and politics. Most significant is his conception of several key Islamic ideas. It argues that his underlying interpretive approach to Islamic sources has substantive implications for his political thought, specifically in its capacity to encourage critical re-examination of traditional and received wisdom, and to accommodate or to select from contemporary ethical and political precepts and values. Al-Turab imacr

's theory permits such adoption and evolution, even as it legitimizes that which is adopted, doing so by means of an Islamic discourse. Clearly, Islamic foundations must be found if such changes are to receive wide support. The paper identifies the positive content which has been adopted and justified in this fashion, most notably the acceptance of what are at least partially equivalent to democratic methods and values. The second part of the paper argues inter alia that the most serious flaw in Turab imacr

's thought is his apparent lack of interest in political institutions, which are needed to make possible the exercise of shur amacr

and the participation which he calls for. It suggest that the underdevelopment of institutions in his thought systematically disconnects, or leaves a gap between, his theory and political reality, which prevents greater realization of the normative ideals he upholds.

The Political Thought of Hasan al-Turab of Sudan