السلطان محمد بيلو
Sultan Muhammad Bello (1781–1837) was the eldest son of Sheikh Usman dan Fodio, the founder of the Sokoto Caliphate, and one of the most accomplished scholars and leaders in West African history. Born in Degel (in present-day northern Nigeria), Bello was trained under the guidance of his father and uncle, Sheikh Abdullahi dan Fodio, mastering Islamic jurisprudence, theology, governance, and the Arabic language. During the Sokoto Jihad (1804–1808), he played an active role as a military commander and strategist. After the establishment of the Caliphate, he assisted in its organization and consolidation. In 1817, following the death of his father, he became the second Sultan of Sokoto. Under his rule, the Caliphate reached its peak, expanding territorially and administratively. Sultan Bello introduced reforms in governance, promoted education, built centers of learning, and maintained justice guided by Islamic law. He was a prolific writer, authoring numerous books on theology, history, governance, and poetry. His literary works reflect deep intellect, humility, and devotion to scholarship. Sultan Muhammad Bello passed away in 1837, leaving behind a legacy of knowledge, leadership, and Islamic statecraft.
Collected works organized by volume.
مختارات من مؤلفات السلطان محمد بيلو المجلد الأول
Volume 1 of the *Selected Writings of Sultan Muhammad Bello* brings together foundational texts on history, spirituality, and social ethics — including works on the history of Hausaland, purification of the soul, righteousness and family ties, sufficient counsel, and reflections likened to the midday sun. These writings introduce Bello’s concerns for moral reform, upright character, and understanding the historical context of the Sokoto Caliphate.
مختارات من مؤلفات السلطان محمد بيلو المجلد الثاني
Volume 2 of the *Selected Writings of Sultan Muhammad Bello* gathers works on family responsibilities, leadership, and protection of faith: discourses on family maintenance, warnings against sorcerers and fortune-tellers, guidance on avoiding imitation of unbelievers and oppressors, reflections on Qur’anic epistemes, ornaments of foresight, poems addressing the soul, principles of leadership, and counsel to rulers and communities. These texts chart a path for preserving Islamic identity, governing justly, and nurturing righteous households in turbulent times.
مختارات من مؤلفات السلطان محمد بيلو المجلد الثالث
Volume 3 of the *Selected Writings of Sultan Muhammad Bello* focuses on worship, forgiveness, and enduring good deeds: guides to virtues that attract Allah’s forgiveness, expositions on the principles of the worshippers, reminders for the heedless, and treatises on blessed days and nights, the best ways of seeking forgiveness, and righteous deeds that outlast this world. It offers a roadmap for drawing closer to Allah through sincere ‘ibadah, constant tawbah, and steadfast righteous action.
مختارات من مؤلفات السلطان محمد بيلو المجلد الرابع
Volume 4 of the *Selected Writings of Sultan Muhammad Bello* gathers writings on trade, professions, health, interaction with non-Muslims, pilgrimage, spiritual diseases, love of the world, just rule, and understanding people: descriptions of Shehu Usman’s preaching method, guidance on trade and occupations, treatises on physical and spiritual healing, counsel on dealing with unbelievers, reminders for pilgrims, duties of a just ruler, and insights into people’s states. It addresses everyday life — work, travel, governance, and social relations — through the lens of Islamic law and prophetic guidance.
مختارات من مؤلفات السلطان محمد بيلو المجلد الخامس
Volume 5 of the *Selected Writings of Sultan Muhammad Bello* centers on creed, supplication, diseases of the body and heart, women’s issues, and spiritual struggle: texts on the illustrious Names of Allah, powerful invocations, temptations of Shaytan, questions concerning women, medical treatises on common illnesses, guidance on speech and silence, portraits of the people of Shehu, and poetic works tied to classical praise of the Prophet. It blends theology, medicine, spirituality, and social guidance into a practical manual for believers seeking sound belief, healthy bodies, and purified hearts.
Selected works from this scholar's collection.
كتاببياف األمر
A description of the nature and categories of the people of Shehu Usman dan Fodio — their traits, commitments, and ranks. It preserves the spiritual and social profile of the community that grew around the Sheikh.
كفاية المريد من الشيطاف المريد
Guidance for the spiritual seeker on how to repel the plots and temptations of the arrogant devil, through remembrance, knowledge, and discipline of the self. It lays out protections, routines, and inner attitudes that shield the heart.
اسم اهلل األعظم
A treatise on the most illustrious Names of Allah and the greatest Name (al‑Ism al‑A‘ẓam), explaining their meanings and effects on the heart. It encourages believers to invoke Allah through His Names with presence and certainty.
تخميس قصيدة البردة
A translation and "takhmīs" treatment of the famous Qaṣīdat al‑Burda, expanding its lines and rendering its meanings for a wider audience. It renews attachment to classical praise of the Prophet ﷺ in the language and style of the author’s time.
تخميس ((بانت سعاد ألمير))
A "takhmīs" (five-line expansion) of the famous poem "Bānat Su‘ād", weaving additional devotional lines around its classical verses. It transforms the ode into a richer spiritual meditation linked to love of the Prophet ﷺ.