The African Caliphate: The Life, Work and Teachings of Shaykh Usman dan Fodio

by Ibraheem Sulaiman

The African The Life, Works and Teaching of Shaykh Usman Dan Fodio

Genres: Islam, History, Africa, Biography, Nonfiction

320 pages, Hardcover

First published May 5, 2009

Reviews

[Khalillaher]

This book focuses on the magnificent leadership of Shaykh Usman Dan Fodio, a Fulani Islamic scholar. It highlights the monumental changes established by his patience, foresight and the manner in which he established Islam in Hausaland (modern day Nigeria and surrounding areas). Shaykh Usman established the Sokoto Caliphate through education, patience, sacrifice and sheer hard work. The book focuses on the various stages of his life. He is considered by some as a Mujaddid (reformer). The book focuses on his Tajdid (revival) firstly through educating the masses, then by Hijrah (migration), then through challenging the oppression and injustice around him. He was then attacked and forced to defend himself and his Jama'a. Through their Jihad they were able to overcome the oppressive regime of their time, establish the true Islam of the Quran and Sunnah and make their Caliphate a shining beacon for humanity. Shaykh Usman established eduaction for women and for the poor. His daughter Nana Asma'u is considered by many as a leading example and role model in education. Shaykh Usman was surrounded by great scholars of his time; his brother Abdullahi Dan Fodio and his son Muhammad Bello. They helped him establish the Caliphate and were instrumental in leading the cause when the shaykhs health deteriorated. Shaykh Usman was a teacher at heart and led through example. The book follows the life of Shaykh Usman and the Sokoto Caliphate through the numerous works authored by Shaykh Usman and his contemporary scholars. Their works portray their understanding in how their Caliphate should mirror the Caliphate of the Rightly guided Caliphs of the earlier generations. Overall a very good read

[Habeeb Akande · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this book on the life of the great West African Muslim leader

[James Kirk · Rating 5 out of 5]

A really practical guide on tajdeed, not so much a narrative based history book. Very useful though.

[Ceri and Rumaysa Davies · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found this a slightly disappointing account of the life and works of Shaykh Uthman dan Fodio. This was perhaps because I came to the book with the expectations that it would provide a detailed and scholarly account of his life. You get very little of that in the book apart from a brief chapter on his early education and a vague description of his death. I left the book with no real understanding of the chronological sequence of events that led to the making of the man nor the establishment of the Sokoto caliphate. On the positive side you do get a good feel for his beliefs and what he saw as the primary areas of concern for improving life in 'Bilad as-Sudan'.