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The founder of the Sokoto dynasty, the Shehu had the unique distinction of defeating all the rulers who indulged in `Shirk’.

The first continent out of Arabia to have an Islamic history was Africa, particularly Abyssinia (modern day Ethiopia via modern day Eritea). In the earliest days of Islam, having suffered persecution in Makkah, a group of Muslims arrived in Abyssinia. They were permitted to stay peacefully by Najash( Eng.Negus), a very kind and hospitable king of that country. Islam's first Muezzin (one who calls to prayer in the Mosque) Hazrat Bilal lbn Ribah (r.a.) was also of North East African descent. Since their arrival in Africa, the Islamic faith and Muslims have played a crucial role in the socio-economic and political development of Africa. Today, Islam is a dominant religion in the North and West Africa and even in East Africa, Islam enjoys large following. As one moves South and towards South Africa, Islam's influence declines but in cities like Durban and Cape Town the call to prayer is heard from very impressive masjids. Infact, Islam is the fastest growing religion in the Southern part of Africa. Thanks to late, Mr. Ahmad Deedat's efforts. There is a revival of interest in Islam. According to Encyclopedia Britannica, 45% of the population in Africa are Muslims, 40% are Christians and less than 15% are non-religious or they follow African traditional religions. According to the World Book Encyclopedia, Islam is the largest religion in Africa, followed by Christianity.

However, inspite of a very large Muslim population and a rich Islamic heritage in the ancient city named Timbumktu in Mali and northern part of Nigeria, Muslim chiefs and kings had deviated from the fundamental principles of Islam. They had become highly corrupt and for their selfish interest and greed these rulers were introducing number of un-Islamic practices, which were their own innovations. Hence, between 1804 to 1815, Nigeria, the most populous country in Africa saw the most spectacular rise of a Mujaddid called Shaikh Usman Dan Fodio- a leader of Fulani tribe, mystic, philosopher, revolutionary and a great social reformer. Affectionately referred to as 'Shehu', Usman was shocked to see the moral decadence of the Muslim rulers in particular and the Ummah at large. As a teacher of Maliki School of Islamic law, and Qadiriyya order of Sufism, he decided to start a 'Jihad' to reform Muslim Chiefs and people of Northern Nigeria. Known as the Hausa land, Northern Nigeria has a sizeable number of Fulani herdsmen who consider 'the Shehu' as 'Amirul Momineen' – the protector and leader of the faithful. Born in 1754, he endeared himself by leading a very simple life and preaching the basic principles of Islam. He wrote over one hundred books concerning religion, government, culture and society. At the age of 50, Shehu gathered all the rural as well as urbanized Fulani tribesmen to whom he belonged and exhorted them to fight the un-Islamic forces and establish a society based on Islamic principles. Shehu had a very clear vision of an Islamic society ruled by honest, just and fair rulers. Thus, he succeeded in carving out the largest Muslim empire in Africa, until the British conquest at the beginning of the twentieth century. Nigeria was under a single politico-religious system and the Sultan of Sokoto , a descendant of Usman Dan Fodio was its head. (known as the Caliph or the Sultan).Besides establishing a Muslim empire in Africa, Shehu appointed men of integrity as the Sultan and Emirs. His soldiers reached every nook and corner of northern part of Nigeria. The Sharia courts established by him in 1804 are in existence till this day. Islamic madarsas became great centres of learning and trade across the trans-Saharan route flourished. A lot of interaction took place between the countries of al-Maghrib and Nigeria. Even his daughters actively participated in conducting training courses for Muslim women. Shehu had succeeded in creating a theocratic state with a stricter interpretation of Islam.
Soon after being victorious Shehu decided to retire from active political life and he dedicated himself to the cause of righteous conduct of the Ummah. He spent the rest of his life in prayer, meditation, reading the holy Quran , preaching to his followers and writing books. He handed over the reigns of power to his worthy son, Muhammad Bello. Bello successfully ruled over the biggest empire in Africa, South of the Sahara, popularly called the Sokoto Caliphate. Many of Shehu`s followers believe that the Shehu was divinely inspired. He had no desire to acquire wealth or lead a life of luxury.

The Prophet of Islam was his role model. In his well-known book , `Tanbih-al-Ikhwan` Shehu wrote, “As for the Sultans, they are undoubtedly un-believers, even though they profess the religion of Islam, because they practice polytheistic rituals and turn people away from the path of God and raise the flag of worldly kingdom under the banner of Islam. All this is un-belief, according to the opinions of aalims- Islamic scholars”.

Shehu believed that Islamically, a corrupt ruler should not be allowed to continue with his un-Islamic work. Although there is no reign of the Sultans in Nigeria any more, yet the Sultan of Sokoto is respected by the people and the government of Nigeria and when his “Durbar” is in session even foreign dignitaries are in attendance. The founder of the Sokoto dynasty, the Shehu had the unique distinction of defeating all the rulers who indulged in `Shirk` and spread Islamic way of life across West Africa in particular and Africa in general.

The writer has spent 24 years in Africa as a University professor and as the General Manager of an IT Company.

E-mail: zafar_khan1us@yahoo.com