Fulani Jihads (Piecing Together the Present Middle East Turmoil by Understanding the Past)

Abstract

The word Jihad is often translated “holy war.” Its broader meaning is “struggle, exertion.” “It signifies the general effort to advance the cause of Islam.” This study will briefly examine the execution of jihads as they occurred in nineteen century Hausaland by nomadic herders known as Fulani, Fulbe or Peul. The study will conclude by highlighting a cursory comparison between eighteen and nineteen century Islamic Nigeria and the string of up raisings seen today throughout Africa and the Middle East. With intellectual and religious pundits characterizing today’s conflict as historically unparalleled and therefore concluding that we have arrived at the end of the age, this study will therefore challenge that position and offer an opposing analysis supported by evidence uncovered in this investigation.

Keywords: Holy War, Jihad, Filani, Islam, Africa, Middle East, Religion, Up Raisings, Religious, Comparison, Struggle

JEL Classification: Z00