Abstract: With the spread of ‘purified’ Islamic principles the 19th Century Sokoto Caliphate witnessed unprecedented social and political transformations. Starting with the ideological impetus of the Shehu Usman dan Fodio, key Islamic texts such as the Bayan Wujub al-Hiria ‘Ala-‘Ibad were produced, providing the basis for change. The reform permeated almost all aspects of social and political life, from the rise of Quranic schools to the Sharia law in taxation practices and a regulation of the political economy of slavery. While traditional Hausa practices particularly surrounding health never fully disappeared, the 19th century was truly a moment of radical change in Sokoto society.