Usman dan Fodio

A religious scholar and founder of the Sokoto Caliphate, he transformed West Africa through Islamic reform and anti-slavery advocacy.

Usman dan Fodio (1754–1817) was a Fulani Islamic scholar whose jihad movements established the Sokoto Caliphate, the largest pre-colonial state in West Africa. A prolific writer with over 100 works on theology and governance, he advocated for justice, education, and ending enslavement of Muslims. His leadership united diverse ethnic groups under Islamic law (Sharia), creating a centralized administration that improved trade and literacy. The caliphate’s emphasis on women’s education through institutions like the Qur’anic schools challenged patriarchal norms. His ideas influenced later movements like the Maji-Maji Rebellion and inspired Pan-Islamic solidarity across Africa. Visit the British Museum’s collection for manuscripts or explore his historical impact. The caliphate’s capital, Sokoto, still honors him annually during the Usman dan Fodio Commemoration.