THE MALLAWA DYNASTY OF ZAZZAU: THE HISTORY

 

History be it royalty or our progenitors are always interesting. They help us know the truth, have insight and understanding where clarity is needed. This piece was culled from Mohammed Jalal's Facebook page trying to educate his followers as it relates to the selection of the Emir of Zazzau, after the demise of Shehu Idris. I found it interesting and thought I should share. Enjoy!

Malam Musa is the founder of the Mallawa Ruling House of Zazzau.

By 1804 there were many Fulani families settled in Zaria and Musa Bamalli was in touch with them even before his final onslaught on Zaria. He had visited Zaria before and had some acquaintances who had confidence and respect for him.

It has been reported that Musa taught Quran in Zaria years before the Jihad and he had travelled South of Zaria at that time where he met Malam Yamusa, the 2nd ruler and founder of the Bornawa dynasty. He met famous Malam Kilba as well and his family and the Limamin Kona who helped him while staging the jihad.

Malam Musa Bamalli was a Fulani from Mali and was born in the city of Timbuktu. He studied initially under the tutelage of his great father who was an erudite scholar at that time, Malam Abdulkadir bn Suleiman. 

Image culled from Salisu Matawalle responding to Jalal's Post

He later attended the famous schools of Usman bin Douri and that of another authority in Islamic `law and Fiqh Malam Jibrila bn Umar of Timbuktu. It was in this school that he met his companion and mentor the revered leader of the Fulani jihad Othman bn Fodio.

Reports indicated that it was in these schools that the principal lieutenant of the Sokoto jihad first met and formed the idea of moving to Hausa states to purify Islam. Many accountants indicated that these principal officers of the jihad were selected by the Shehu because of their religious sincerity and knowledge of Islam as well as for their ability and strength.

It is important to note here that the jihad was based on good intention and purification of the religion rather than conquest for adventure. At the time of the jihad in Kano, Katsina and Bauchi, the then King of Zaria was a good Muslim (Jatau) but when he died and his son Makau emerged, the jihadist felt that there was a strong reason for the jihad because Makau strongly believe in pre-Jihad in Islamic practices.

Musa as stated above had been in touch with the situation in Zaria, he set out for the conquest of Zaria. Musa is said to have crossed into Zaria from Kano with 74 horsemen while in some account 312 with a large infantry.

He met resistance in Kudan and was graciously assisted by the Muslims of Zabi. He is also said to have entered Zaria through Kofar Bai.

Malam Musa was said to have participated in the conquest of Gobir-Sokoto to establish the Sokoto Caliphate before assisting another jihadist of repute like Suleiman of Kano to conquer Kano.

Musa was in Kano for about 6 months before setting for Zaria.