Born in 1168 AH Uthman well known as 'dan Fodio'which literally meant' son of the scholar', as his father was already a well known and established scholar in Hausaland. For the next thirty years Shakyh Uthman, along with his family, relatives ,fellow scholars and students, committed themselves to da'wah (calling to Islam) and teaching tours throughout Hausa land (West Africa) :calling people to establish Islam in their hearts and homes; adhere to the Qur'an ,Sunnah and Ijma (or consensus) of the Sunni scholars; forsake innovation; show compassion towards all Muslims; and to end all forms of political and economic oppression. When the rulers became fearful and envious of Shaykh Uthman `s large and loyal following of believers, they began persecuting the Muslims severely. This led to their being blessed by Allah to perform hijra (emigration) and ultimately to their successful jihad (military struggle) against the Hausa kings. Their blessed jihad established an Islamic Caliphate in 1807 CE that became one of the most righteous, just and equitable societies this world has ever known.