ABSTRACT
LITERARY AESTHETICS IN NIGERIAN ARABIC- ISLAMIC LITERATURE: " A case
study of Abduullnhi Fodi's contribution" In its introduction, this
thesis attempts to mention its main objectives, significance of

the study spells out the researcher's methodology and style in treating
the topics. In chapter 1, the linguistic meanings of the terms '
curriculum' and 'art' were explained through citing of several
definitions, all of which connote aesthetics. The effort of the
researcher is to make the materials he intends to present vis-a-vis his
aim and objectives very lucid for easy comprehension. In the same
chapter discussion is also made on the ways Islam reached Nigeria. In
this regard trade relation between North and West Africa is examined
likewise the missionary activities of the Sanhaja tribes etc, who
propagated islam. The contribution of the rulers of

some ancient kingdom such as Ghana, Mali, Songhai and the Sokoto
caliphate in the spread of Islam in parts of Nigeria is equally
discussed. In chapter II the thesis attempts a brief review of the
various definition of literature in both ancient and modern times. It
discusses the general connotation of literature. Then it

proceeds to highlight the fundamental elements of a literary work. This
is followed by a detailed explanation of each of those elements as well
as the concept of Arabic - Islamic literature. Therefore, a detailed
discussion is made on the areas covered by Islamic literature. A Muslim
literary views of the cosmos in its entirety. It

discusses nature and all its phenomena, which is perceived from the
perspective that Allah's power and might control it. In the same
chapter, discussion is made on the peculiar features of Arabic Islamic

literature that make it distinct from others and accord it the
qualification for being Islamic. At the end of this chapter, two poems
composed by Sheik Abdullahi bn Fodio were analysed in line with the
above mentioned characteristic features of Arabic-Islamic literature. In
chapter III The researcher discusses the status of Arabic Language in
Sokoto caliphate right from its establishment in 1808 AD, and also deals
with the biography of Sheik Abdullahi bn Fodio from birth in 1706 AD,
up to demise in 1829 AD. Chapter IV which is the last chapter, embodies
literary study of nine poems composed by Sheik Abudllahi on various
themes. The thesis ends by summarizing the findings of the study for the
purpose of recapitulation, retention and easy comprehension of the
reader