born December 1754, Maratta, Gobir, Hausaland
died 1817, Sokoto, Fulani empire
Fulani mystic, philosopher, and revolutionary reformer.
In a jihad (holy war) between 1804 and 1808, he created a new Muslim state, the Fulani empire, in what is now northern Nigeria. He stimulated the growth of Islam throughout the region and founded the important Sokoto caliphate. He also produced a large body of writings in Arabic and Fula that continue to enjoy wide circulation and influence.