Summary+on+the+Expansion+of+Islam+into+Africa

Laura Sheehan 10/31/10 Period 4 APWH Summary on the Expansion of Islam into Africa

When the Muslim religion was beginning to spread, the region inhabited by the people of Islam began to decline. Due to this, these people expanded their territory into other regions such as Northern Africa and Sub-Saharan Africa. In 600 C.E. Islam officially spread to Northern parts of Africa. After reaching Africa the islamic people (Muslims) had a great effect on the people who were already living there. People either converted to the Muslim faith or resisted it completely. Trade began to flourish in this region after the invasion of Islam, especially in the Northern regions. This region was able to trade with regions of the Mediterranean world and the Arab economic world. Areas of settled work and agricultural areas began to flourish where the people would make and create things for their trade. Also, it was said that Islam was the major external contact between Sub-Saharan Africa and the rest of the world until 1450 C.E. While in Northern Africa, the Muslim teachings that "all Muslims are equal within the community of believers", allowed the acceptance and tolerance for new rulers and conquerors easier. The idea of caliphs influenced many African Kings and helped them to reinforce their authority. Many mosques were built in order to spread spiritual, comercial, and cultural bonds between west Africa and the Middle East and Northern Africa and Spain. These early mosques were usually built out of clay with a mirab (tower) and an open courtyard. These places created a space of worship and simple elegance which reflected ethnic and regional differences.

People worshipping at the mosque of Dejenne.