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Usman dan Fodio

(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.

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