Muslim Empires and Africa

Muhammad

Founder of Islam; a prophet who received revelations from Allah and devoted his life to spreading Islam.

Mecca

Birthplace of Muhammad and the holiest city in Islam; home of the Kaaba.

Kaaba

Sacred temple in Mecca, believed to have been built by Abraham; focal point for Muslim worship.

Hijra

Muhammad’s journey from Mecca to Medina in 622 CE; marks the start of the Islamic calendar.

Medina

 City where Muhammad fled (Hijra) and gained many followers; formerly called Yathrib.

Quran

Holy book of Islam; believed to be the word of God as revealed to Muhammad.

Mosques

Muslim places of worship.

Hajj

One of the Five Pillars of Islam; the pilgrimage to Mecca that Muslims strive to make at least once.

Sharia

Islamic law derived from the Quran and the Hadith (teachings of Muhammad).

Sunni

The larger branch of Islam; believers accept the rule of the first four caliphs and do not require a direct descendant of Muhammad as leader.

Shilite (Shia)

The branch of Islam that holds that Muhammad’s successor should be a direct descendant of the Prophet (specifically, Ali and his descendants).

• Muhammad was troubled by idol worship and moral ills in Mecca.

• He received revelations from the angel Gabriel.

• He began preaching monotheism and social justice.

• Opposition in Mecca led to his Hijra to Medina, where he gained followers and spread Islam further.

What sequence of events led to Muhammad devoting his life to the spread of Islam?

1. Declaration of faith (Shahada)

2. Daily prayer (Salat)

3. Almsgiving (Zakat)

4. Fasting during Ramadan (Sawm)

5. Pilgrimage to Mecca (Hajj)

What are the core beliefs of Islam (The Five Pillars)?

The main issue was the question of leadership succession: who should lead the Muslim community after Muhammad?

What issue caused a schism in the Muslim community following Muhammad’s death?

Sunni: Believed the successor (caliph) could be chosen by the Muslim community (did not have to be a direct descendant).

• Shiite (Shia): Believed the leader should be a descendant of Muhammad, specifically through his son-in-law Ali.

What two denominations resulted, and how were their beliefs different?

umayyad

First Muslim dynasty (661–750) after the “Rightly Guided” Caliphs; expanded Islam into North Africa, Spain, and parts of Central Asia.

abbasid

Dynasty (750–1258) that overthrew the Umayyads; moved the capital to Baghdad and presided over the Islamic Golden Age.

golden Age (of Islam)

Period of great cultural, economic, and scientific flourishing in the Muslim world, particularly under the Abbasids.

arabic numerals

Number system we use today, originally from India but transmitted to the West through the Islamic world.

house of wisdom

A major intellectual center in Baghdad during the Abbasid dynasty, where scholars translated and preserved Greek, Persian, and Indian works.

• Umayyad: Rapid military expansion, spreading Islam into North Africa and into Spain (al-Andalus).

• Abbasid: Shifted focus to cultural and intellectual achievements, but Islam continued to spread through trade, scholarship, and cultural influence.

How did the Umayyad & Abbasid Caliphates spread Islam?

• Advances in mathematics (algebra, Arabic numerals)

• Inventions in astronomy (astrolabe) and medicine (diagnostic texts, hospitals)

• Preservation & translation of Greek, Roman, Persian, and Indian texts

• Flourishing of arts, architecture (mosques, calligraphy), and literature (poetry, tales like The Thousand and One Nights).

What major achievements were made by Islamic Empires during their Golden Age?

savanna

Grassy plains that cover much of Africa; support farming and herding.

axum

Ancient kingdom in East Africa (in present-day Ethiopia) known for trade and Christianity.

ethiopia

Region in East Africa influenced by Axum’s Christian traditions; maintained independence and a strong culture.

timbuktu

Major city of learning and trade in West Africa, especially important in the Mali Empire.

ghana

Early West African kingdom, became wealthy by controlling gold-salt trade routes.

mansa musa

Greatest ruler of Mali (c. 1312–1337); expanded the empire, promoted Islam, and made a famous Hajj that showcased Mali’s wealth.

songhai

 West African empire that succeeded Mali; became the largest empire in African history under leaders like Askia Muhammad.

great zimbabwe

A powerful trading kingdom in Southeast Africa (11th–15th centuries) known for its impressive stone ruins.

• Vast deserts like the Sahara limit settlement and create trade routes.

• Savannas support agriculture and livestock.

• Rainforests, mountains, and coastline lead to cultural and economic diversity across regions.

Describe how Africa’s varied geography affects life on the continent.

• It brought wealth and cultural exchanges via Indian Ocean trade routes.

• Swahili culture emerged, blending African and Arab elements.

• Cities like Kilwa and Mogadishu thrived on trade in gold, ivory, and other goods.

How did trade affect the city-states of East Africa?

How did trade affect the city-states of East Africa?

What impact did trade have on the West African Kingdom of Ghana?

• Expanded Mali’s territory and influence.

• Promoted Islamic education; built mosques and libraries.

• Famous Hajj to Mecca that demonstrated Mali’s wealth.

• Strengthened economic ties with North Africa and the Middle East.

What were Mansa Musa’s accomplishments as ruler of Mali?

• Expanded Songhai’s territory and reorganized its government.

• Promoted Islamic learning by building mosques and supporting scholars.

• Strengthened trade routes and the economy.

In what ways did Askia Muhammad shape Songhai’s empire?

• Sophisticated architecture and urban planning.

• Wealth from controlling trade routes (gold, ivory).

• Complex social structure and skilled craftsmanship.

What might the ruins of Great Zimbabwe reflect about their civilization?