A description of the spread of
Islam in Africa and its effects on the African people as well as differences
between African Islam and Islam from other places.
Islam has always been and still is a very prominent religion in Africa. It first
arrived in Egypt, around 640 AD, through trade and even armed conquest by the
Byzantine Empire. In southern Africa, it was introduced through slaves and
political exiles. However, the overall spread of Islam in northern Africa is
attributed to Berber traders, whose caravans brought not only new goods but also
new ideas.
Of course, Islam was a bit different in Africa than in its homeland farther
east, especially in who was Muslim. In Africa, Islam was a religion for the
elite, not for ordinary people. Most Muslims were merchants and political
advisors, and they were especially respected if they knew how to read and write
in Arabic. Literacy in Arabic was valued because it was important to read the
Koran. Very rich....