CURRENTLY ON AIR ⇒
  • Hadeeth
    Wednesday, 7:15 am - 7:30 am
    [ - ]

feedback@radioislam.org.za

logo


((( Listen Live )))))
Radio Islam Logo


Islam in Africa Part 5

Today we will take a look at the reasons for the spread of Islam in Africa

The Nature of Islam
The nature of Islam as a religion accepting polygamy to some extent, its tolerance of traditional African religions, its simplicity of doctrine and mode of worship helped propagators to make converts in Africa. These factors also made Islam easily adaptable to the African communities with which it came in contact.

Trade
Another major reason that led to the rapid spread of Islam in 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 Savannah areas. Al-Bakri, a renowned Arabic Scholar and merchant wrote in 1067, that the capital of ancient Ghana was already divided into two parts; about six miles apart, the Muslim traders’ part which had as many as twelve mosques and the King’s part had one mosque for the use of the king’s Muslim visitors. It was these resident Muslim traders who converted the rulers and the principal local town’s people to Islam. Also, according to Kano Chronicles, during the reign of Yaji, the King of Kano from 1349 to 1385, the Wangarawa came from Melle bringing the Mohammedan religion. These examples grew the process of Islamisation or conversion to Islam, as it gathered momentum.

Activities of Muslim Clerics
Islam also spread into Africa through the activities of Muslim clerics and scholars. These clerics or learned men founded their own religious centres which attracted students from all parts of Africa and who on the completion of their studies and training went back to their own homes to win converts. Many of them went on lecture or missionary tours to convert people, while others became advisers to their local Kings on how to become effective rulers. Some clerics devoted a great deal of their time to writing books and instructions on all aspects of Islam for the education and conversion of people or the purification and strengthening of Islam.

Activities of Rulers
Islam gained ground in Africa through the activities of the individual rulers. Some rulers encouraged the trans-Saharan trade and extended hospitality to both traders and visiting clerics, but perhaps one of the most important ways in which they encouraged acceptance of Islam was through their own conversion. With a Muslim King or ruler it rapidly became a matter of prestige among the aristocracy also to convert to Islam in many kingdoms. Many rulers made considerable efforts to encourage Muslim institutions such as Islamic tax and legal systems or the provision of facilities such as mosques, through the appointment of Muslim officials such as judges and butchers who observe the Islamic code and to lead prayers, celebrating Muslim festival and ordering every town under their control to observe the ritual prayers. The pilgrimages that many of the rulers undertook – such as Mansa Musa and Askia Mohammed — had a considerable spiritual effect increasing their determination both to strengthen and purify their Islam and to spread it even further.

Inter-marriage
Islam also spread on to Africa through inter-marriages. The Muslim merchants from North Africa came down settled and married the African women who became Muslims including their children.

Scholars
The early Muslim missionaries opened Islamic schools and colleges. The products of these schools and colleges also did well by spreading the religion. They worked with the rulers as advisors, councillors etc. for instance, Ibn Yasin established a Zaniyaor college and founded the Almoravid movement which contributed considerably to the spread of Islam in the Sahara and Western Sudan.

ADVERTISE HERE

Prime Spot!!!

Contact:
advertisingadmin@radioislam.co.za 

Related Articles

Early Warning Signs and Stages of Genocide

Early Warning Signs and Stages of Genocide

Genocide is not something that happens overnight. It is a process, one that unfolds in stages, often over years or even decades, with warning signs that are tragically overlooked or ignored. Understanding these early warning signs is critical, not just for historical...

read more
Genocide Awareness Month

Genocide Awareness Month

What is Genocide? The point of remembrance is not simply to mourn, but to prevent. Genocide is one of the gravest crimes against humanity. It refers to acts committed with the specific intent to destroy, in whole or in part, a national, ethnic, racial, or religious...

read more
The Action Plan

The Action Plan

Here’s a step-by-step action plan for you to carry your efforts from Ramadhan forward. Post Ramadan Goals: # 1 RECOMMIT. Recommit yourself to the Prayer. The Quran. And Dhikr. Just like you spent some time in Shabaan/beginning of Ramadhan to commit to making the most...

read more
Maintaining our Spirituality after Ramadhan

Maintaining our Spirituality after Ramadhan

The Mind-Set Mind-set Shift: Control how you think and you’ll control how you act One little thought can change everything inside you.  Work on your mind and your mind will work on everything else for you. Here are some healthy ways to think in your post-Ramadhan...

read more
Maintaining our Spirituality after Ramadhan

Maintaining our Spirituality after Ramadhan

The Answer Why is it much more difficult to stay consistent after Ramadan? The most obvious answer is: Shaytaan is BACK in the picture… قَالَ فَبِمَآ أَغْوَيْتَنِى لَأَقْعُدَنَّ لَهُمْ صِرَٰطَكَ ٱلْمُسْتَقِيمَ ثُمَّ لَـَٔاتِيَنَّهُم مِّنۢ بَيْنِ أَيْدِيهِمْ وَمِنْ...

read more
Maintaining our Spirituality after Ramadhan

Maintaining our Spirituality after Ramadhan

Why is it so Difficult, or is it? Everyone has an idea, even though it may not be so vivid and clear, of what they want to achieve after Ramadhan. Post Ramadhan goals, as they say. But the problem and the biggest challenge we all face is once Ramadhan leaves us, a new...

read more

Subscribe to our Newsletter

0 Comments