Early Life
In what year was Ahmed Sharif al-Sanusi born?
A: 1873
Who did Ahmed Sharif famously mentor, known as the “Lion of the Desert”?
Omar Al-Mukhtar
Which empire did Ahmed Sharif ally with during World War I?
The Ottoman Empire
Who did Ahmed Sharif support in Turkey’s post-war resistance movement?
Mustafa Kamal
Where is Ahmed Sharif buried?
In Al-Baqi, near the tomb of Imam Malik in Medina
Q: What was the name of Ahmed Sharif’s uncle and mentor?
A: Al-Mahdi
Which colonial power invaded Libya in 1911?
Italy
Which European country tried to gain Ahmed’s support by sending a letter from Egypt?
Britain
What did Mustafa Kemal do to Islamic symbols and institutions after gaining power?
He rejected all Islamic symbols and values, including changing the script from Arabic to Latin
Which famous Islamic scholar’s tomb is near his burial site?
Imam Malik ibn Anas
Q: Which Sufi order was Ahmed Sharif born into?
A: The Sennusi movement
What was Ahmed Sharif’s rallying motto during the call to arms?
“Paradise lies beneath the shade of swords”
What was the result of the Treaty of Lausanne for Libya?
The Ottomans conceded land over to the Italians and withdrew from the region
What was Ahmed Sharif’s reaction to Mustafa Kemal’s reforms?
He felt bitter disappointment and betrayal, and withdrew completely from political activity
Who described Ahmed Sharif with heartfelt literary praise after meeting him in Mecca?
Muhammad Asad
Q: What North African country was Ahmed Sharif originally from?
A: Libya
Name the battle in which the Mujahideen secured a decisive victory against Italy.
The Battle of Friday (or “Or Friday’s battle”)
Who proposed a ceasefire between the Ottomans and Italy that ruined Ahmed’s plans to return?
The Ottoman Prime Minister Said Halim Pasha
Where did Ahmed eventually relocate after leaving Turkey and the Levant?
The Hijaz (Mecca and Medina)
What verse of the Qur’an was quoted to describe the sacrifice of Ahmed Sharif?
“Among the Believers are men who have proven true to what they pledge to Allah…” (Surah Al-Ahzab 33:23)
Q: What major responsibility did Ahmed undertake in managing 2,600 people?
A: He oversaw and managed the transition of 2,600 people from Al through the Har Desert into Kufra
How did Ahmed Sharif respond to proposals for peace by the Ottoman leadership?
“By Allah, we will not surrender them from our land, not even the span of a horse’s back”
What type of vessel did Ahmed use to escape Libya in 1918?
A German submarine
What was the final straw that made Ahmed withdraw from political activity in Turkey?
The abdication of Abdul Majid and the manipulation of Islamic affairs by Turkish leadership
What final mission did Ahmed entrust to Muhammad Asad?
To travel to Libya, meet with Omar al-Mukhtar, and assess the status of the Jihad movement