Arabic language during the period of Osman b. Fudi, the founder of Sokoto State

Arabic is widely spoken in Nigeria, a Sub-Saharan African country. This study seeks to answer the question of how Arabic, a new language distinct from the local languages despite being far from the Arabian Peninsula, became a widely used and understood language in Nigeria. In this context, it has been determined that Arabic gained popularity during the Sokoto State period (1812-1903) in Nigeria's history, especially during the reign of its founder, Osman ibn Fudi (d. 1817). Examining the status of Arabic in the early periods of the Sokoto State will place the existence of Arabic used in Nigeria on a historical basis. Therefore, this study addresses the establishment and development of the Arabic language in the state in question. Within this framework, firstly, the Sokoto State is examined in its historical, scientific, geographical and ethnic aspects based on the descriptive method. By analyzing the social structures in the Hevsa region, traces of the factors that were effective in the spread of the Arabic language are traced. Osman ibn Fudi and Osman ibn The status of Arabic during the time of Fudi, Arabic education, written works, and the influence of Arabic on local languages were examined. Data analysis was used on the Arabic texts we examined. It was determined that the content of hundreds of works written in Arabic during the founding of the Sokoto State was shaped around Islamic education and ethics. Similarly, in madrasas and institutions, priority was given to Islamic sciences such as Quranic instruction, theology, jurisprudence, and hadith, in addition to Arabic language education. Therefore, the spread of Arabic in Sokoto State can be explained by Muslims' efforts to learn, teach, and practice Islamic sciences. It has been determined that, just like the Muslims with different languages and cultures in Anatolia and North Africa, the Arabic language is a common language representing Islam in Sokoto State, is considered a key to Islamic sciences, and ensures scientific and cultural progress in African society.