How did Islam start in Africa?
According to Arab oral tradition, Islam first came to Africa with Muslim refugees fleeing persecution in the Arab peninsula. Islam came to root along the East African coast some time in the 8th century, as part of a continuing dialogue between the people on the East coast and traders from the Persian Gulf and Oman.
What was the first religion in West Africa?
The Story of Africa| BBC World Service. Christianity came first to the continent of Africa in the 1st or early 2nd century AD. Oral tradition says the first Muslims appeared while the prophet Mohammed was still alive (he died in 632). Thus both religions have been on the continent of Africa for over 1,300 years.
Where did Islam originate?
Mecca
Although its roots go back further, scholars typically date the creation of Islam to the 7th century, making it the youngest of the major world religions. Islam started in Mecca, in modern-day Saudi Arabia, during the time of the prophet Muhammad’s life. Today, the faith is spreading rapidly throughout the world.
Who brought Islam and the Arabic language to West Africa?
Stated simply, the Arabic language and the Islamic faith came to Africa by way of trade. Trade across the region of West Africa and the Niger River was so booming from about the 10th through 16th centuries that some texts actually refer to the region as the sandy sea, comparing it to thriving ocean trade routes.
What was before Christianity?
Before Christianity, two major monotheistic religions existed in the ancient Mediterranean area. Explore the similarities and differences between Judaism, Zoroastrianism, and emerging Christianity, and how the empire initially accommodated their teachings and actions.
How did Islam affect West Africa?
Islam promoted trade between West Africa and the Mediterranean. The religion developed and widened the trans-Saharan Caravan trade. The trade enriched the West African and the Muslim traders. Muslims from North Africa came in their numbers and settled in the commercial centres.
What contributed most to the spread of Islam into Africa?
Spread of Islam. As the Islam religion began to spread, it began to become a unifying cultural and economic force over Eurasia and Africa. There were many causes to why the Islam religion spread. These causes include trade, the Quran, people of high ranking, and educational institutions.
How did Islam spread to West Africa?
Another major reason that led to the rapid spread of Islam in West Africa was the trans-Saharan trade network. From the seventh century onwards, Muslim traders from the Maghreb and the Sahara started settling first in some of the market centres in the Sahel and then in the Savanna areas.
Who was the first West African leader to accept Islam?
The early leaders of Mali accepted Islam, but they did not follow all of its teachings. In 1312, a new leader, Mansa Musa [Mansa Musa: the first West African ruler to practice Islam devoutly] , took over in Mali. He became the first West African ruler to practice Islam devoutly.
What were the effects of Islam on West Africa?
Uniting Society in Every Aspects. Islam is a special religion that unites different societies all across West Africa.