Why did Hausa peasants support Usman dan Fodio’s movement?

Hausa peasants supported the movement led by Usman dan Fodio primarily due to their shared social and economic grievances under the existing ruling dynasties. They suffered from oppression and the burden of arbitrary taxation imposed by their leaders, which created a deep-seated desire for change.12

The movement resonated with the peasantry for several key reasons:

• Millenarian Hopes: Many peasants identified Usman dan Fodio with the Mahdi, a legendary Muslim redeemer expected to appear during that era, offering them hope for a more just society.1
• Desire for Relief: The peasantry welcomed the opportunity to rid themselves of vexatious overlords and the systemic exploitation they faced under the Hausa kings.2
• Religious Reform: Usman dan Fodio’s call for a return to the strict principles of Islamic law and his criticism of rulers who mixed Islam with traditional practices appealed to those seeking a more authentic and equitable religious and political order.13

By joining the jihad, these commoners sought to overthrow what they perceived as unjust and corrupt leadership in favor of a system that promised greater justice and integrity.13