Following the deaths of the three reformist leaders, Usman, Abdullahi, and Muhammad Bello, Dan Tafa became a sought-after figure for his wisdom and expertise on matters of history, Islam, and leadership.
[2]: 19 He held the position of Amir al-kutaab (leader of the scribes) and librarian in the Fodiawa clan and accompanied the Shehu on his preaching tours across Hausaland before the jihad.
When Usman became recognized as the Amir al-mu'minin of the Muslim community, Mallam Tafa became his chief secretary and played an important role in selecting the next Caliph, notably Sultan Abu Bakr Atiku's successor in 1842.
His father, Mallam Tafa, further enriched his knowledge by teaching him various subjects, including fiqh (Islamic jurisprudence), lughat (science of linguistics), tafsir (Quranic exegesis), and tarikh (history).
[4]: 31–32 Dan Tafa immersed himself in scholarly pursuits, building upon the ideas and works of the deceased leaders of the Sokoto jihad, such as Usman, Abdullahi, and Muhammad Bello.
When the German explorer Heinrich Barth visited Katsina, a scholar from Tuat informed him about Dan Tafa, described as "the most learned of the present generation of the inhabitants of Sokoto.
"[1]: 101 [2]: 162 [4]: 40–43 Sheikh Dan Tafa and his relatives resided south of Salame, approximately two hours away from Chimola, a ribat located on the Rima valley, led by Ahmad ibn Sultan Abu Bakr Atiku.
Sheikh Muallayidi gained renown for his work on Usman dan Fodio, titled Nudha Yasira Tushir ila Ba'd karamat al-Shaykh.
[3]: 230 Their other son, Sheikh Abd al-Raazqid, was among those who attempted to perform hijra with Caliph Muhammad Attahiru to evade the European invasion of Sokoto.
There, they established a new town on the Blue Nile called Maiurno (in Sennar State), and Abd al-Raazqid was appointed Waziri of the Caliph.
[4]: 50 Mallam Dan Tafa had a vast body of work that encompasses at least 72 titles, as listed in John Hunwick's catalogue of Arabic Literature of Africa vol.2.
Another prominent work is Mawsufat al-sudan (Description of the black lands), completed in 1864, which provides a detailed account of the history of West Africa.
[7] Dan Tafa's interest in geography is evident in his work Qataif al-jinan (The Fruits of the Heart in Reflection about the Sudanese world), which offers a comprehensive exploration of the topography, history, and culture of both West Africa and the Maghreb.