Abstract:
The aim of this paper is to discuss Hausa Ajami poetry as a vital source for historical reconstruction in northern Nigeria. The paper from the introductory parts begins by analyzing how the jihad movement in the early decade of the 19th century resulted to the establishment of a large polity known as the Sokoto caliphate. The paper then proceeds to identify the intellectual characteristics of the caliphate leadership particularly, the Shehu who spearheaded the jihad movement and his disciples which led to a spectacular boost in literary production in diverse areas using different linguistic mechanisms; Arabic, Hausa and Fulfulde. Equally important was the discussion on the rationale behind the application of Ajami poetry during the period which inter alia aimed at simplifying the comprehension of Islamic tenets through the use of the local language. Relatively, the paper examines some of the areas of Hausa Ajami poetry that will be a very vital source to anyone dealing with any aspect of northern Nigerian history. The paper generally, revealed the dynamic nature on the intellectual reputation of the founding fathers of the Sokoto caliphate and some of their lieutenants. However, in its investigative approach the paper applied historical research technique by using both primary and secondary sources. The results of the investigation have inevitably shed more light on the intellectual contribution of the Sokoto ulama on the aspect of Ajami poetry.
Keywords: Hausa, Ajami, Poetry, Historical Re-construction, Northern Nigeria
DOI: 10.36349/djhs.2024.v03i01.043
author/Danyaya Muhammad Shehu
journal/GNSWH, April 2024
