Sokoto caliphate’s experienced of the repeated breaking of peace accords (Amanah) by states and groups and consequent escalation of crises (wars)

Abstract

It is important to divulge correct views on how Muslims and Islamic states demonstrate peace in their cordial relationships with non-Muslims in their domains. Muslims tend to live in peace with others provided the other party complied, and they also try to engage in defense whenever the other party try to attack them. Acts of killing and unprovoked attacks on non-Muslims are not welcomed in true Islam. In this vein, the objective of this paper was to explore some betrayal of trust (Amanah) experienced by Sokoto Caliphate in its early course as perpetrated by its hosts. Sokoto Caliphate was an Islamic state in West Africa (Northern Nigeria, Niger, Cameroon, and Chad) that was formed based on revivalism methods of social change by Usmanu Danfodiyo and his students and followers. In the course of that social intervention, the members of the Sokoto Caliphate were resisted, and fought; many among them were killed through battles and rampage wars. They rose for self-defense and made some treaties (trust) with several groups or states in West Africa. However, many of the states or groups betrayed the trust (treaties) or Amanah. Thus, this paper explored some major peace deals or treaties and the repeated breaking of peace accords by the second party. Some of the key instances are: Sarkin Gummi's false peace deal and subsequent attack on Muslims at Kirare, Azbinawa's betrayal, Gobir, and Kebbi's collusion and attacks on Muslims, Usman Masa's broken promise and alliance with enemies. This paper found that the basis of Islamic revivalism is educating the public, and anyone can join Islam or live within Amanah (peace deal or treaty). Whosoever broke the peace deal by attacking Muslims or colluding with enemies, the trust (Amanah) is set-aside.