Spread of Islam to Africa

Who was Abu-Bakr and why was he important?

First caliph after Muhammad’s death; elected by followers; “caliph” means successor or deputy.

How did Abu-Bakr expand Islam?

Fought those who abandoned Islam; army became effective; conquered new lands; secured trade routes; spread Islam through cultural diffusion.

Why was Islam able to spread successfully?

Strong army & generals, some people found Islam’s message appealing, non-Muslims could avoid taxes by converting.

What caused internal conflict after Islam’s expansion?

Conservative Muslims felt caliphs strayed from Islam; wanted Ali al-Abbas (cousin/son-in-law of Muhammad) as caliph.

Sunni vs. Shi’a differences

Sunni: Accepted Umayyad rule; focused on trade and wealth. Shi’a: Opposed Umayyads’ luxury; followed Ali al-Abbas; emphasized spirituality.

Who were the Sunni and Shi’a?

Sunni: Muslims who accepted the Umayyad caliphs and focused on trade/wealth. Shi’a: Muslims who opposed the Umayyads, followed Ali al-Abbas, emphasized a more spiritual way of life.

Key accomplishments of the Umayyad dynasty

Capital: Damascus; Arabic became official language; Standardized currency; Trade expanded from China to Spain.

Rights and social status of women under Islam

Required husbands to honor marriage contracts; Women could own property and give testimony (less weight); Adopted veils (from Persia/India) and seclusion (purdah).

Key facts about Abbasids

Conquered Umayyads, moved capital to Baghdad; Monopolized trade routes; itemized receipts replaced coins; Advances in iron, medicine, math, libraries (preserved Greek/Roman texts).

Important individuals of the Abbasid era

Mohammad al-Razi – medical encyclopedia; development of algebra.

Characteristics of pre-Islamic African societies

Stateless, kinship-based societies; Religion: Animism, ancestor veneration; Economics: North Africa – Mediterranean trade; Sub-Saharan – agrarian, merchants (juula).

Why was Ghana successful?

Taxed trade of salt and gold; located on Sahel (southern Sahara).

Sundiata of Mali

Organized people into clans (military, religious, specialists); created safe trade routes with garrisons.

Mansa Musa

Wealthiest person in history; pilgrimage to Mecca in 1324 with huge caravan of gold; Mali major gold producer.

Life in Mali

Cosmopolitan cities like Timbuktu; libraries and mosques; mostly agrarian; polygamy for labor.

Characteristics of the Swahili Coast

Bantu-speaking, diverse, Muslim ruling families; Swahili language = Bantu + Arabic; 13th c: mosques built, rulers/merchants Muslim, townspeople kept traditions.

Impact of Islam on Africa

Islam spread but blended with African culture; many independent kingdoms; Africa already a center of trade (salt, ivory, gold, slaves).

Key features of Islamic art

Repetition & infinity; Arabesques (floral/geometric); Arches/domes/minarets; Calligraphy (no human/animal forms).