Islamic Timeline of RevelationOpen on the timeline →West AfricaAfrica
Sokoto Caliphate
The Sokoto Caliphate was founded by the scholar Usman dan Fodio after a jihad among the Hausa states of northern Nigeria. It became one of the largest states in 19th-century Africa until British conquest in 1903.
Key facts
| Dates | 1804 – 1903 CE |
|---|---|
| Region | West Africa |
| Continent | Africa |
| Capitals | Gudu, Sokoto |
| Founder | Usman dan Fodio |
| Religion(s) | Sunni Islam (Maliki) |
| Peak extent | ≈ 0.4 million km² (c. 1804 CE) – source |
Before & after
Preceded by
Hausa Kingdoms Kingdom of Kano Kingdom of Katsina Zazzau Gobir Kingdom of Kebbi
Followed by
In the Islamic timeline
- Maliki School — Its scholars followed Maliki law.
- Major Sufi Orders (Qadiriyya, Chishtiyya, Suhrawardiyya, Naqshbandiyya) — Usman dan Fodio was a member of the Qadiriyya order.
Sources
Dates follow widely used reference works; many ancient dates are approximate or debated. Neutral summary for general reference.