Islamic Influence in Africa
Islam first came to West Africa by way of traders who braved the Sahara desert to establish trade with tribes in West Africa. At first many of the groups did not adopt the religion but merely tolerated those who practiced it. Slowly the religion gained in popularity as many people began blending it with their existing religions. Most people in this part of Africa practiced an animist religion which worshiped spirits and nature. The arrival of Islam brought lots of changes to the culture of West Africa. People began following the 5 Pillars of Islam which changed daily life, mosques were built, Arabic became a language spoken and the first written language in this part of Africa. Many artists began using geometric patterns in their textiles, building got new architectural styles. The government also changed as well, Emirs became the local leaders, the leadership passed to a patrilineal style which meant that power was passed to the oldest born son.
The first Islamic king in west Africa was Mansa Musa, the King of Mali. Mansa Musa was so wealthy that he was the first king of Mali to make the Hajj to Makkah. Along the way he brought and gave away so much gold that he ruined the value of gold for many years after he left.
Islam first came to West Africa by way of traders who braved the Sahara desert to establish trade with tribes in West Africa. At first many of the groups did not adopt the religion but merely tolerated those who practiced it. Slowly the religion gained in popularity as many people began blending it with their existing religions. Most people in this part of Africa practiced an animist religion which worshiped spirits and nature. The arrival of Islam brought lots of changes to the culture of West Africa. People began following the 5 Pillars of Islam which changed daily life, mosques were built, Arabic became a language spoken and the first written language in this part of Africa. Many artists began using geometric patterns in their textiles, building got new architectural styles. The government also changed as well, Emirs became the local leaders, the leadership passed to a patrilineal style which meant that power was passed to the oldest born son.
The first Islamic king in west Africa was Mansa Musa, the King of Mali. Mansa Musa was so wealthy that he was the first king of Mali to make the Hajj to Makkah. Along the way he brought and gave away so much gold that he ruined the value of gold for many years after he left.