The Socio-Economic and Political Dimensions of the Development of Centres of Islamic Learning in Zaria City, 1806 – 1960

Abstract

The paper examines the roles of the socio-economic and political dimensions of Zaria City 1806 – 1960 in the establishment, development and promotion of Islamic
learning and education in Zaria City. This is done by examining some of the notable centres of Islamic learning and education as a result of recent research conducted in different wards in Zaria City such as Kona, Juma, Zage-Zagi, Kofan Doka, Limancin Iya, Kakaki, Magajiya, Kusfa and Anguwan Nupawa respectively. The paper argues that the nature of the socio-economic and political dimensions in Zaria City in the pre-jihad period, jihad period and colonial era was one of the major factors that encouraged the development of centres of Islamic learning and
education in Zaria City. This could be seen in the organization and administration of the socio-economic and political policies of the Kingship Institutions in Zaria through the building of large-scale farm estates for the ruling class, medium-scale
farms for the peasantry, the protection of trade routes that passed through Zaria City for the smooth conduct of trades and commercial activities in the institutionalized market of Durumin Mai Garke which in turn encouraged the permanent settlement
of wandering Fulani Muslim scholars in the city. The paper relies heavily on oral
information through oral interviews, published materials, unpublished materials and
archival sources