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Abdoullah Dan Fodio
Born in 1766, Abdoullah Dan Fodio remains a great emeritus scholar
who has written over one hundred manuscripts on grammar,
literature, exegesis (commentary) of the Koran, Islamic law (Fiqh),
theology, political science, and many more subjects. Also a
renowned historian and author from a distinguished family, his
brother ‘Usman Dan Fodio’ who found the Sokoto Empire shines
their reputation. Abdoullah and Usman contributed significantly to
universal culture with their writings in Arabic and Fulani. The family’s
power and influence over the Fulani society show the influence of the
manuscript and how the ruling family sought to govern their citizens

on an equal basis.

Continuing interest on faith,

physical and moral intergrity

Faith, physical and moral integrity were important subjects
portrayed in the manuscript. Their description shows how the author
emphasized the same value to his fellow citizens, also showing the
concern of the moment. From a sociological point of view, Abdoullah
brings comfort to his people by giving them references to maintain
their physical and mental well-being. From the manuscript, one can
notice that the question of how to live well was a continuing interest
for humans for a long time and that there were concerns on how to
implement them on a governing level.

Child welfare
The manuscript sheds light upon children and their overall rights,
such as education and basic care. By evoking the well-being of the
child, in particular the infant, the manuscript emphasizes several

elements of which we can quote:
• The bodily message and the good that it brings to the child.
• Applying oil and salt to a child with body message strengthens
its body. The child's bathing conditions, avoiding drafts and
water temperature are taken into account.
• Exposing the child to light sources while taking the necessary
precautions to protect one's eyes.
The child's schooling is another significant issue dealt with, as in the
sentence: "Observing the right of the child to attend school is the sixth
form of strengthening the parental bond." As such, the manuscript
details information on how to care for a child. Considering that
securing childrens' rights is still an ongoing mission, the spirit of the

manuscript delivers universal value to us up to now.