Sayyid ʿAlī al-Mīrghānī

Sayyid \u02bfAl\u012b al-M\u012brgh\u0101n\u012b was a prominent Sudanese religious leader and the head of the Khatmiyyah brotherhood. He was a significant figure in Sudanese politics during the mid-20th century, particularly in the lead-up to the country's independence.1

While Sayyid \u02bfAl\u012b al-M\u012brgh\u0101n\u012b personally remained aloof from politics, he provided crucial support to Ism\u0101\u02bf\u012bl al-Azhar\u012b and his National Unionist Party (NUP). This alliance was instrumental in the NUP's victory in the 1953 elections, which paved the way for Sudan's independence in 1956. His influence, tied to the Khatmiyyah brotherhood, was a key factor in the political landscape of Sudan, often competing with the Ummah Party, which was supported by Sayyid \u02b Abd al-Ra\u1e25m\u0101n al-Mahd\u012b.1