Abd al-Salam's discontent with the perceived preferential treatment of the Fulbe leaders and his sense of being inadequately rewarded led him to spearhead this rebellion against the Caliphate's authority.

[1]: 221 Abd al-Salam's rebellion found support primarily among the Hausa people who shared his grievances of unfair treatment under the Sokoto Caliphate.

Fleeing their lands to escape the authority of the caliphate, these rebels joined Abd al-Salam's revolt, seeking to challenge the dominance of the Fulbe leaders and regain their autonomy.

The revolt of Abd al-Salam and his fellow Hausa rebels represented a significant challenge to the Sokoto Caliphate's authority, as they sought to address perceived inequalities and reclaim their political rights within the realm.

[1][2]: 65–70 During the early 19th century, a momentous revolution swept across Hausaland, led by Shehu Usman dan Fodio, a highly esteemed Fulani scholar.

[1][2]: 3–40 Abd al-Salam ibn Ibrahim, a prominent Hausa disciple of Shehu Usman dan Fodio, gained a significant following of his own.

These issues led Abd al-Salam to flee Gobir and seek refuge in the neighboring Kingdom of Kebbi, settling in the town of Gimbana.

[1]: 286 [2] After the hijra, Shehu Usman dan Fodio was widely recognized as the Amir al-mu'minin by the Muslim community that had joined him from various parts of Hausaland, including Abd al-Salam.

Additionally, Shehu Usman appointed Abd al-Salam to oversee seven districts within Abdullahi's portion of the caliphate with the largest being Sabiyel (in modern-day Aliero, Kebbi state).

Upon their meeting, Shehu Usman ordered Abd al-Salam to relocate to Sokoto, the capital of the caliphate, and placed him under the watchful eye of Muhammad Bello.

To accommodate Abd al-Salam, Shehu Usman allowed him to build the walled-town of Kware, providing him with a place of residence and some measure of authority.

[1]: 287 [2] After the death of Shehu Usman dan Fodio in 1817 and the ascension of his son, Muhammad Bello, Abd al-Salam responded with only sending his condolences and did not follow the tradition of visiting Sokoto to pay his respects.

Word of this reached Sultan Bello in Sokoto, who promptly wrote to Abd al-Salam, demanding an explanation for the release of the captives.

According to the ijma (consensus in the Islamic community), if a dhimmi flees without facing any injustice, they are considered a harbi (inhabitant of dar al-harb or 'house of war').

In the first letter, Abd al-Salam extensively cited the Quran, the Hadiths, and teachings of various Islamic scholars, emphasizing the importance of ensuring the safety and justice for all Muslims.

Upon receiving the two letters delivered by Abd al-Salam's qadi and muezzin, Sultan Muhammad Bello read them aloud to his community and council.

In his response, Bello quoted Quranic verses, Hadiths, and opinions of Maliki scholars to refute the accusations made by Abd al-Salam, particularly those related to corruption within the caliphate.

Despite Bello's warnings, Abd al-Salam continued to strengthen his relationships with his enemies, including the Emir of Konni, who was under the authority of Ali Jedo, administering the northern part of the Caliphate.

[2]: 68  In response to the escalating situation, Sultan Bello wrote another letter to Abd al-Salam cautioning him against harbouring enemies of the Caliphate and stating that if he intended to revolt, he should declare it so they could 'do what is necessary.'

Upon receiving Bello's initial letter, Abd al-Salam read it aloud to his community, using the opportunity to address them and share his thoughts.

The situation was further aggravated when Abd al-Salam's forces, joined by the former emir of Konni's men, conducted raids and looted several Fulani villages and towns.

In response to these developments, Sultan Bello received intelligence that Abd al-Salam had officially declared a tawaye (revolt or rebellion in Hausa) and sent messages to various enemies of Sokoto.

[1] Despite efforts from the Emir of Aïr and influential scholars to advise Abd al-Salam to cease hostilities, he remained steadfast in his refusal.

However, Bello's subsequent strategy of sending effective raiding parties in November 1817 began to take its toll on Abd al-Salam's large army.

Seeing an opportunity for reconciliation, leading figures from Abd al-Salam's community reached out to Sultan Bello with the intention of establishing a peaceful resolution.

"[1][2]: 68–69 Upon receiving news of the victory, Sultan Bello wasted no time and quickly journeyed to the fort, arriving just as the sun was setting.

As the remaining fighters from the defeated rebel forces learned of Bello's approach, they panicked and fled, with many going towards the region of Bakura in Zamfara.

Among those who attempted to flee was Abd al-Salam, but despite his efforts to evade capture, he sustained a fatal arrow wound in the vicinity of Bakura.

In the aftermath of these events, a number of Hausa gibes and sayings emerged, designed to mock and ridicule Abd al-Salam's failed revolt.

[6]: 95 Sultan Muhammad Bello, renowned for his writings and historical accounts, authored Sard al-kalam fi ma jara bayn-na wa-bayn 'Abd al-Salam, likely in the early part of 1818.