The Life of Shehu Usuman Dan Fodio before the Jihad

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Periodical article

Title:	The Life of Shehu Usuman Dan Fodio before the Jihad
Author:	Masri, F.H. el
Year:	1963
Periodical:	Journal of the Historical Society of Nigeria
Volume:	2
Issue:	4
Period:	December
Pages:	435-448
Language:	English
Geographic term:	West Africa
Subjects:	Islamic history traditional rulers Peoples of Africa (Ethnic Groups) History and Exploration Religion and Witchcraft
About person:	Usumanu Dan Fodio (1754-1817)
Abstract:	Shehu Usuman b. Muhammad Fudi b. 'Uthman b. Salih known as Dan Fodio was born at Maratta, somewhere in Kwonni in December 1754. The only knowledge of his childhood is the Karamat (miracle) literature which later grew up around him. The chief source for the Karamat of the Shehu is Raud al-Jinan by Bello's vizier, Gidado dan Laima. Gidado's other book al-Kashf wa'l-Bayan, on the Karamat of Muhammad Bello, also gives some illustration of the Shehu's life. To these should be added Anis al-Mufid by Gidado's son, 'Abd al-Qadir. The mystic experiences of Dan Fodio are often found with the Karamat literature, being on the surface similar. But they should be studied separately from the Karamat accounts and viewed seriously because they are actual mystic experiences and beliefs. One of these, the Wird of Dan Fodio, has been drawn upon in preparing this paper. Sections: Dan Fodio's education - Dan Fodio travels to preach - Dan Fodio's method of preaching - The history of the Jama'a - Conclusion. Notes.