50. Barclay, Harold B. "Muslim 'Prophets' in the Modern Sudan." Muslim World 54, 1964: 250-55.

One of very few detailed studies of failed prophets. One of them had a rather fragmentary vision of the better world to come, and was unable to overcome doubts of his own calling; the other had a more coherent vision and no doubts whatever. But he had chosen to live as a hermit, and was doomed to failure, since this calling forbids proselytization.

Both men appeared to excite embarrassment and perhaps fear in their hearers. Though their behavior was eccentric by Western standards, appearing somewhat manic, it was by no means inappropriate among Arabs. In this culture "too much" attention to religious duties and readings, etc., makes one insane. Only the holiest avoid the imputation; visions are judged insane only if there is no legitimizing follow up: miracles or other exhibitions of charisma. Both are locally viewed as insane, and this may be a "mechanism" for the toleration of their behavior. Barclay attributes their failures to attract followings to lack of charisma and poor proselytization techniques; one in particular lacks that absolute confidence without which a prophet is nothing. Both fail also to address any specific needs of the people.

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