The Role and Impact of DA'WAH in Sokoto Caliphate, Northern Nigeria, 1774 to present time

Abstract

This research is about the role and impact of Da'wah in Sokoto caliphate, Northern Nigeria, from 1774 to the present time. It was carried out using Historical and Analytical methods. It looked at the role of Da'wah activities of many visiting and local scholars in the introduction and spread of Islam in Hausa land. It also highlighted the Da'wah activities of the Sokoto caliphate leaders in educating the people on Islamic ideology and its practice, this has aided the reformation of the people and its impact is felt in reducing the evil innovations in Northern Nigeria. It has also looked at the Da'wah methodologies of Sokoto caliphate leaders. This research has also highlighted the impact of Da'wah and its methodology in Islam. Un-Islamic trends in contemporary Northern Nigeria were also highlighted giving their genesis to the ignorance of some people and the British colonization, together with the secular system adopted by the country after independence. Also studied are the Da'wah activities of some contemporary selected Islamic organizations and scholars. Deviant sects who propagate sectarian trend Da'wah were also discussed, highlighting many of their un-Islamic trends which were a challenge to the spread of sound Islamic knowledge to the people. This research identified the activities of Islamic scholars and committed wealthy Muslims in spreading Islamic education and building new schools. Some of the findings of this research include: The un-Islamic trends addressed by the Sokoto caliphate scholars are presently reappearing and spreading even though the contemporary scholars are doing their best in eradicating them. This research also founded that the Da'wah of Shaykh 'Uthman bin Foduwe have led many people to reform their faith, and the practice of Islam. It also led many people to emulate his good works and to abandon customs contrary to the religion. Similarly, the literature he and his students wrote is numerous and their impact is felt even in the contemporary Northern Nigeria. Today their works were of great advantage to the Muslims in Northern Nigeria and has impacted them in all aspect of their life. Some of the recommendations of this research include: Though the scholars and religious organizations are presently active in Da'wah work, still much effort is expected from them to address the increasing spread of un-Islamic trends. The state governments of Northern Nigeria should also establish preaching boards to monitor the preaching of deviant sects to address their misinterpretations and misrepresentation of Islam. Majority of the Muslims of Northern Nigeria lives in the rural areas where ignorance is high and Islamic scholars was very scarce. Therefore, state governments of Northern Nigeria and wealthy Muslims should employ Da'wah workers and post them to various villages to carry teaching and preaching activities.