What were the effects of Islam on West Africa?

Answer 1

How did Islam spread into Africa? - Muhammad and followers moved there and they (along with Arab traders) caused the spread of the religion.

Islam's contributions on Africa? - est. of mosques, development of Islamic learning centers, and the Arabic writing system and literacy.

West Africa: Rulers such as Sundiata and Mansa Musa traded gold and built complex institutions such as mosques, schools, and libraries which spread the Islamic faith.

Answer 2

Africa and Islam:

The majority of Africa practiced Christianity, forms of polytheism, and animism, which is the belief that spirits existed that could either help or harm human beings. Africans believed that the king is the divine leader that can be the only one who can contact the god/gods. The Islamic faith discouraged rulers from practicing the religion because it saw all men equal in the eyes of Allah.

Before Islam influenced Africa, there was no written history of the African culture. The Muslims taught the tribes known as the Bantus their complex language, which enabled them to write about their societies.

Answer 3

Islam brought a great sense of learning to African civilizations. Many empires prior to Islamic influence relied solely on an oral history. With Islam, people were taught to read and write, and the Sankore Mosque and University were established in Mali. As time passed, Islam became intertwined along with African cultures, creating a very distinctive adaptation.

Answer 4

Islam brought Sharia law, which most Africans detest.