Abdullahi b. fodio as a Muslim jurist

Abstract

This work is a critical and objective study of 'Abdullahi as a Muslim jurist. Chapter one deals with the background to 'Abdullahi's society and gives a brief account of the political, social, economic and religious conditions of the peoples of the Hausa States in the 18th century.. Chapter two gives a brief account of Abdullahi's life. It covers his education and preaching, and the part which he played in the Sokoto Jihad. It concludes with a brief sketch of his character. In chapter three we have tried to trace the personalities that most influenced 'Abdullahi's thinking. It is hoped that a knowledge of these personalities would help to account for Abdullah!'s views. Chapter four deals with 'Abdullahi's ideas on constitutional theory and government« and in particular his conception of the Caliphate and various departments of its administration. Chapter five deals with Abdullahi ideas on Islamic society and the vital role which he described to religious revival in the process of social reform. It deals with his ideas on the significance of rituals and the relationships between the various sections of Islamic society, and his attitude towards non-conformists like rebels and zindiqs. It deals with 'Abdullahi's ideas on the institution of marriage, the upbringing of children, and the lawful and unlawful means of the acquisition of wealth. In chapter six we have attempted to make a critical assessment of "Abdullah! as a mujtahid or an independent Muslim jurist. We dealt first with the principles which guided him in formulating his opinions. While stressing his independent juristic approach, we placed him as a mujtahid within the Maliki School of Law. We also showed how his choice of sources extended to the three orthodox schools of law.