Uthman Dan Fodio: The Scholar Who Transformed Islam in Nigeria Islamic Religious Studies JSS 3 First Term Lesson Notes Week 7

Islamic Religious Studies JSS 3 First Term Lesson Note for Week 7

Subject: Islamic Religious Studies
Class: JSS 3
Term: First Term
Week: 7
Age: 12–15 years
Topic: Brief History of Some Nigerian Scholars
Sub-topic: Sheikh Uthman Dan Fodio: Life History and Contributions to Islam
Duration: 40 minutes

Behavioral Objectives

By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:

1. Describe the life of Sheikh Uthman Dan Fodio.
2. Explain his contributions to the spread of Islam in Nigeria.
3. Understand the impact of his reforms on Islamic practices.
4. Appreciate the role of Islamic scholars in history.

Keywords

• Uthman Dan Fodio
• Jihad
• Reforms
• Sokoto Caliphate
• Islamic scholar

Set Induction

The teacher will start by asking: “Have you heard of Uthman Dan Fodio? Can anyone share what they know about him?” This will generate interest and prepare students for the topic.

Entry Behavior

Students are aware that many scholars spread Islam in Nigeria and know that scholars play a vital role in guiding people.

Learning Resources and Materials

• Qur’an
• Historical maps of Nigeria during the 19th century
• Chart on notable Nigerian Islamic scholars

Building Background/Connection to Prior Knowledge

Students have previously learned about human attributes in Islam. This will help them relate to the noble qualities of Sheikh Uthman Dan Fodio, such as leadership, scholarship, and reform.

Embedded Core Skills

• Critical Thinking: Analyzing the impact of Uthman Dan Fodio’s reforms.
• Cultural Awareness: Understanding the influence of Nigerian scholars on Islamic history.
• Moral Values: Learning about the importance of piety and justice.

Learning Materials

• History textbooks
• Lagos State Scheme of Work
• Whiteboard and markers

Reference Books

• Lagos State Scheme of Work for Islamic Religious Studies
• Historical texts on Uthman Dan Fodio

Instructional Materials

• Portrait of Uthman Dan Fodio
• Timeline of his life and achievements
• Map showing the Sokoto Caliphate

Content

Life History of Sheikh Uthman Dan Fodio

1. Early Life
   • Born in 1754 in Gobir (present-day northern Nigeria).
   • From the Fulani ethnic group and raised in a pious Islamic family.
   • Studied Qur’an, Hadith, and Islamic jurisprudence.
2. Call to Reform
   • Uthman Dan Fodio believed many Islamic practices had become corrupt.
   • He called for a return to true Islamic teachings.
   • His teachings emphasized monotheism (Tawheed) and justice.
3. The Jihad Movement
   • Led a peaceful movement that later became a military campaign (Jihad).
   • The movement aimed to purify Islam and establish justice.
   • It led to the formation of the Sokoto Caliphate in 1804.
4. Contributions to Islam
   • Encouraged literacy by promoting Qur’anic education.
   • Wrote numerous books on theology and governance.
   • Advocated for the rights of women and the poor.
5. Legacy
   • His son, Muhammad Bello, continued his reforms.
   • The Sokoto Caliphate became a center of Islamic learning.
   • Uthman Dan Fodio is remembered as a great scholar and leader.

15 Fill-in-the-Blank Questions

1. Uthman Dan Fodio was born in ______.
   a) 1754
   b) 1804
   c) 1845
   d) 1700
2. Uthman Dan Fodio was born in ______ (place).
   a) Kano
   b) Gobir
   c) Zaria
   d) Sokoto
3. The movement led by Uthman Dan Fodio is called ______.
   a) Trade mission
   b) Jihad movement
   c) Industrial revolution
   d) Political campaign
4. Uthman Dan Fodio called for ______ in Islamic practices.
   a) Reform
   b) Abandonment
   c) Corruption
   d) Division
5. The Sokoto Caliphate was established in ______.
   a) 1754
   b) 1804
   c) 1845
   d) 1900
6. Uthman Dan Fodio was from the ______ ethnic group.
   a) Yoruba
   b) Hausa
   c) Fulani
   d) Igbo
7. He emphasized the concept of ______ (oneness of God).
   a) Shirk
   b) Tawheed
   c) Polytheism
   d) Paganism
8. The Sokoto Caliphate became a center for ______.
   a) Trade
   b) Islamic learning
   c) Music
   d) Politics
9. Uthman Dan Fodio promoted the rights of ______.
   a) Only men
   b) Women and the poor
   c) Rich merchants
   d) Foreign rulers
10. He wrote many books on ______.
    a) Sports
    b) Theology and governance
    c) Engineering
    d) Agriculture
11. His son ______ continued his reforms.
    a) Muhammad Bello
    b) Usman Jangari
    c) Ibrahim Danko
    d) Sani Dogo
12. Uthman Dan Fodio advocated for ______ education.
    a) Qur’anic
    b) Technical
    c) Formal
    d) Western
13. He believed some Islamic practices had become ______.
    a) Perfect
    b) Corrupt
    c) Forgotten
    d) Weak
14. The Jihad movement sought to establish ______.
    a) Injustice
    b) Justice and fairness
    c) War
    d) Greed
15. Uthman Dan Fodio’s teachings focused on ______.
    a) Wealth accumulation
    b) Monotheism and justice
    c) Oppression
    d) Slavery

15 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) with Answers

1. When was Uthman Dan Fodio born?
   • In 1754.
2. Where was he born?
   • In Gobir, present-day northern Nigeria.
3. What ethnic group did he belong to?
   • The Fulani.
4. What did Uthman Dan Fodio call for?
   • Reform of Islamic practices.
5. What is Jihad?
   • A struggle for justice and the purification of Islam.
6. What did the Sokoto Caliphate become known for?
   • A center of Islamic learning.
7. When was the Sokoto Caliphate established?
   • In 1804.
8. Who continued Uthman’s reforms?
   • His son, Muhammad Bello.
9. What is Tawheed?
   • The oneness of Allah (S.W.T).
10. What kind of books did Uthman write?
    • Books on theology and governance.
11. How did Uthman Dan Fodio promote education?
    • By encouraging Qur’anic education.
12. What were his views on women’s rights?
    • He supported the rights of women and the poor.
13. What was the main goal of his Jihad?
    • To establish justice.
14. Why did Uthman Dan Fodio seek reforms?
    • He believed some Islamic practices had become corrupt.
15. What is his legacy?
    • He is remembered as a scholar, leader, and reformer.

Presentation

Step 1: The teacher revises the previous topic on human attributes.

Step 2: The teacher introduces the new topic and shares facts about Uthman Dan Fodio’s life.

Step 3: The teacher asks students to discuss how the teachings of Uthman Dan Fodio can inspire their daily lives.

Teacher’s Activities:

• Display a map showing the Sokoto Caliphate.
• Lead a discussion on the relevance of Uthman Dan Fodio’s teachings today.

Learners’ Activities:

• Take notes on key points.
• Share their thoughts on the importance of reform and justice.

Assessment

1. Who was Uthman Dan Fodio?
2. Where was he born?
3. What movement did he lead?
4. When was the Sokoto Caliphate established?
5. Name one of his contributions to Islam.

Evaluation Questions

1. What is the meaning of Tawheed?
2. Why did Uthman Dan Fodio lead a reform movement?
3. How did his teachings impact Islamic education?
4. What were his views on justice?
5. How can students apply his teachings today?

Conclusion

The teacher will review the lesson and commend students for their participation.