The Sudan Scholars Association has undergone many names since its first Sheikhdom of Scholars in the early twentieth century at the hands of distinguished scholars such as Sheikh Mohammed al-Badawi al-Sheikh and Sheikh Abu al-Qasim Ahmed Hashim. It was then succeeded by venerable sheikhs. The establishment of the Scientific Institute in Omdurman played a decisive role in pushing it forward greatly, as its graduates became a major tributary for the spread of scholars in the country, thanks to the considerable share of knowledge they attained. Most of the work of this sheikhdom was focused on the field of Islamic sciences, through publishing, teaching, and issuing fatwas. Its work was not devoid of a political role, represented in the struggles of many of its members throughout its long history. The marches of the Institute’s students and the role of its graduates are not far from the national memory.
The Sudanese Scholars Association is an extension of a long history of knowledge and scholars in Sudan. Since the rise of the Islamic Funj State, or the Blue Sultanate, as well as the rise of the Islamic Fur State, scholars were the reference for the rulers of these states. They played a significant role in guiding both pastor and subjects. They also played a significant role in the Turkish state in Sudan. During the Mahdist Revolution, they were its fuel and played a pioneering role in combating the widespread ignorance among the people. During the British occupation of Sudan, scholars played an important role in preserving Sudanese identity and stood as a strong barrier against attempts to obliterate Islamic identity and cultural alienation orchestrated by the British.
Professor Mohammed Osman Salih
Chairman of the Authority
Professor Ali Eissa
Secretary-General
Professor Alshaikh Alfatih
Vice Chairman of the Authority
In service of the Authority's goals of disseminating Islamic knowledge, interacting with its community, helping people, and solving their family and life problems, the Authority established a Fatwa Department at its headquarters. This department was occupied by two venerable sheikhs: the late Professor Hassan Ahmed Hamid (may God have mercy on him) and the venerable Sheikh Mohamed Ahmed Hassan, who was honored by Rabat University with an honorary doctorate in recognition of the role of scholars in society. After the passing of Sheikh Professor Hassan Ahmed Hamid, his son Dr. Abdel-Rahman Hassan Ahmed Hamid took over. Professor Ibrahim Abdel-Sadiq Mahmoud then took over the Fatwa Secretariat in the latest reshuffle of the Secretariats. Today, the Fatwa Department includes, in addition to the venerable scholars mentioned, Sheikh Mahmoud Ali Al-Tahir and Dr. Osman Mohamed Al-Nazif. Due to the care and great efforts that the General Secretariat gave to this activist, he became famous throughout Sudan and people began to come to him on a daily basis. The department receives up to fifteen cases per day, most of which are in the field of personal status, worship, and transactions.
One of the most important achievements of the Authority in the recent period has been its widespread popularity among citizens. It is known for its moderation and principled stances in support of Islam and Muslims everywhere. Its headquarters has become a destination for fatwa seekers from all states of Sudan. The Authority has a solid reputation both domestically and internationally. It is a member of the International Union of Muslim Scholars and its General Secretariat, which includes Professor Muhammad Osman Salih, Professor Ahmed Ismail Al-Bili, Dr. Issam Ahmed Al-Bashir, and Dr. Osman Muhammad Al-Nazif. It is also a founding member of the Conference of Scholars of the Nation in Dakar and the Conference of Scholars of Africa in Mali. It has also made significant strides in establishing the Association of Scholars of Central and East Africa. Due to its solid reputation, both domestically and internationally, every scholarly delegation visiting the country has made a stop at the Sudanese Scholars Authority. Due to the nature of its composition, its membership includes all sectarian groups and Islamic factions, thus becoming a melting pot in which the unity of the People of the Qiblah is manifested.