If it were merely wild tribesmen like the Bedouin he might have got a reputation as a saint and miracle-worker.

Or he might be a fellow that preached a pure religion, like the chap that founded the Senussi.

But I'm inclined to think he must be something extra special if he can put a spell on the whole Moslem world.

The Turk and the Persian wouldn't follow the ordinary new theology game.
He must be of the Blood.

Your Mahdis and Mullahs and Imams were nobodies, but they had only a local prestige.