RIBAT AND OTHER VALUES OF ESTABLISHING GWADABAWA BY MUHAMMAD MAITURARE (THE DESCENDANT OF USMANU DANFODIYO)

By Tambari Abbas Bashar
DOI: 10.37550/tdmu.EJS/2025.01.621

The Sokoto Caliphate, founded by Usmanu Danfodiyo in 1804, was a significant Islamic state in West Africa that spanned a vast region of present-day northern Nigeria and parts of neighboring countries. The Caliphate became a center of Islamic learning, governance, and military activity, with its capital at Sokoto. One of the key institutions that contributed to its strength and expansion was the Ribat. this paper aims to discuss the formation of Gwadabawa Ribat, and its values. The Gwadabawa Ribat successfully provided a food security hub, resettlement area, and security as well to the caliphate. the Gwadabawa Ribat served as a hub for Islamic learning and warfare, protecting the Sokoto Caliphate from enemies. It ensured food security through agriculture, with fertile land suitable for various crops. The establishment of the Ribat was based on Islamic principles, providing a secure environment for the Sokoto Caliphate. Gwadabawa Ribat provided protection for the Sokoto Caliphate; the Ribat promoted Islamic learning and warfare, and agriculture in Gwadabawa ensured food security for the Caliphate.