8vo. viii, 177 pp of German text with some Arabic, including five pages summary in English, publisher’s original wrappers, UNOPENED, biblio, index, Beiruter Texte Und Studien. Band 33, Franz Steiner Verlag, Wiesbaden & Beirut, first edition, 1986.

Synopsis

This study investigates the ethnic aspect of the Sokoto capital, in what is modern day Nigeria, through the first period of consolidation in the light of the career of Abd as-Salam, a learned Haussaman who was at one time loyal follower of Utman dan Fodio who had established the Sokoto caliphate by revolting against the Haussa States. He then turned against his son and successor Muhammad Bello. The first part of the study describes the successful rebellion of Utman dan Fodio and the role of the Fulani people. The chief source of information about Abd as- Salam is a report written by Bello entitled Sard al Kalam Fima Gara Bainana Wa-Baina Abd as-Salam, which consists of the correspondence between the two and which is presented here. The book ends with Bello’s narration of as-Salam’s career, his rebellion and eventual death.
This study reveals that the revolt was crushed by Muhammad Bello at a heavy price- the alienation of large segments of the Hausa population which brought with it a series of revolts that plagued the Sokoto Caliphate.