From Rebels to Rulers: Writing Legitimacy in the Early Sokoto State

A new interpretation of Sokoto's history that provides a fresh perspective on its leaders and their visions for the Muslim state. The Fodiawa, led by Usman dan Fodio, Abdullahi, and Muhammad Bello, left a written record that reveals their divided ideas about what Sokoto should be. This book restores agency to the leaders by analyzing their sources and dating their intellectual production, showing how revolutionary religious movements gain legitimacy and how their claims change as they transition from rebels to rulers.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 228 pages
Publication date: 16 January 2024
Publisher: James Currey

Sokoto, a prominent Muslim empire in West Africa during the 19th century, stands as a testament to its remarkable historical significance. The intellectual and political elite of this empire left behind a vast written record, comprising over 300 Arabic texts authored by the esteemed leaders of the jihad, namely Usman dan Fodio, his brother Abdullahi, and his son, Muhammad Bello (collectively known as the Fodiawa). Despite the extensive documentation of Sokoto's early years, current narratives often overlook the profound impact these texts had on the formation of the empire and the intricate scholarly world from which they emerged. Contrary to popular belief, the Fodiawa were not unified in their vision of a singular Muslim statecraft. This book delves into the intricate divisions within the Fodiawa and explores the diverse discursive strategies employed to enlist local societies into their vision. By closely analyzing the sources, including some appearing in English translation for the first time, the book restores agency to Sokoto's leaders as individuals with distinct goals, personalities, and methods. Moreover, it sheds light on the broader dynamics of revolutionary religious movements, highlighting how they gain legitimacy and how the nature of their claimed legitimacy evolves as they transition from rebels to rulers.

Sokoto's historical trajectory is intricately woven with the tapestry of its leaders' visions and aspirations. The empire's early years, marked by the consolidation of power under Usman dan Fodio, witnessed the emergence of a distinct Muslim identity and the establishment of a centralized government. However, the Fodiawa's vision for Sokoto was not without its complexities and divisions. Usman dan Fodio, the empire's founder, had a clear vision of a Muslim state that would encompass the vast territories of West Africa and serve as a beacon of religious and cultural enlightenment. He was deeply influenced by the teachings of Islam and sought to establish a society that would uphold the principles of justice, equality, and religious tolerance.

On the other hand, his brother Abdullahi and son Muhammad Bello had their own perspectives on the empire's future. Abdullahi, who succeeded his father as the second sultan, was known for his pragmatism and willingness to adapt to local customs and traditions. He recognized the importance of maintaining stability and harmony within the empire, and he sought to build alliances with neighboring communities to strengthen Sokoto's position. Muhammad Bello, on the other hand, was more ambitious and visionary. He embraced the concept of a caliphate, a Muslim state led by a supreme ruler who would exercise religious and political authority. He believed that Sokoto had the potential to become a global center of Islamic learning and culture and sought to expand its influence beyond the borders of West Africa.

Despite their differences, the Fodiawa were able to navigate the complexities of their relationship and maintain a relatively stable empire for over two centuries. They employed a range of discursive strategies to legitimize their authority. They emphasized the religious and cultural significance of Sokoto, highlighting its role as a center of Islamic learning and a guardian of Islamic traditions. They also emphasized the empire's military prowess, showcasing its ability to defend against external threats and maintain order within its borders. Additionally, they appealed to local customs and traditions, seeking to incorporate them into their vision of a Muslim state.

However, the Fodiawa's vision for Sokoto was not without its challenges. As the empire expanded, it encountered resistance from neighboring communities and rival empires. The empire's expansionist policies, particularly in the region of Hausa- Fulani, led to tensions and conflicts that threatened to undermine its stability. Moreover, the Fodiawa's emphasis on religious and cultural purity led to the marginalization of non-Muslim communities, which were often subjected to discrimination and persecution.

Despite these challenges, the Fodiawa's legacy continues to shape the history and culture of West Africa. Their written record, comprising over 300 Arabic texts, provides valuable insights into the intellectual and political world of the 19th century. These texts offer a glimpse into the complex scholarly world from which the Fodiawa emerged and the diverse discursive strategies they employed to legitimize their vision. Moreover, the book empire's historical trajectory serves as a cautionary tale empire's historical trajectory serves as a cautionary tale of the complexities and challenges of empire-building and the importance of navigating the delicate balance between religious and cultural identity, military power, and local customs and traditions.

In conclusion, Sokoto's history is a testament to the remarkable resilience and adaptability of the Muslim empire in West Africa. The Fodiawa's vision for Sokoto was not without its complexities and divisions, but their written record provides a valuable insight into the intellectual and political world of the 19th century. By restoring agency to the leaders of the empire and exploring the diverse discursive strategies they employed, this book offers a fresh perspective on the formation and evolution of Sokoto and the broader dynamics of revolutionary religious movements. As we continue to engage with the legacy of Sokoto and other historical empires, it is essential to recognize the complexities and challenges of empire-building and the importance of navigating the delicate balance between religious and cultural identity, military power, and local customs and traditions.

Weight: 362g
Dimension: 157 x 234 x 15 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781847013705