Usman Dan Fodio and the Establishment of the Sokoto Caliphate (Chapter)

Great Events in Religion: An Encyclopedia of Pivotal Events in Religious History

Usman Dan Fodio (Arabic: Uthman ibn Fudi), religious scholar, reformer, and political leader transformed the Hausaland of West Africa to become the Sokoto Caliphate, a precursor of Modern northern Nigeria. Dan Fodio was born in 1774 CE and died 1804 CE. Known later in lifeto his students as “the Shehu” (a corruption of the Arabic Shaikh, meaning “The Scholar”), Dan Fodio hails from a prestigious family descending from Musa Jokollo, a great scholar of the 15th century. Born in the village of Maratta, near Konni in Sokoto state of modern day Nigeria, his family later migrated to Degel where he received his formative education. Dan Fodio established a religious movement in Hausaland, West Africa which culminated in the Sokoto Caliphate. The effects of his religious and political movement remain, with both local representation and international followers existing until today.

This three-volume set presents fundamental information about the most important events in world religious history as well as substantive discussions of their significance and impact.

This work offers readers a broad and thorough look at the greatest events in world religious history, covering a wide range of religions, time periods, and areas around the globe. The entries present authoritative information and informed viewpoints written by expert contributors that enable readers to easily learn about the chief events in religious history, help them to better understand the course of world history, and promote a greater respect for culturally diverse religious traditions.