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Kevin Curran History of Africa Fall, 2001 UC San Diego Islam and it’s Reach in Africa The history of Africa is a long and full one. The mere size of the continent facilitates such a diverse and all encompassing history unique to the region. Many historical events have helped to shape Africa the way we see it today. The expansion of the Bantu speakers, diversification of the agricultural aspects of the economy, as well as the divergent religions and colonization have made Africa what it is today. One of the most important events in African history relates to the ever-changing religious make up of the region. The religion that has made an abundance of changes to Africa is Islam. The spread of Islam has been one of the most dramatic and most important events in shaping the political, economic and cultural aspects of Africa. By looking at how and when Islam entered Africa, it’s spread into the North, East, South, and West of Africa, as well as it’s influence on today’s Africa can it be shown what an overwhelming influence Islam has been. The initial entry of Islam into Africa made way for it’s dramatic influence and importance in Africa since the seventh century. The initial spread of Islam can be fo

Though it came up short in some aspects, the spread of Islam proved to be more successful then Western Africa. Among the first converted, they brought their new religion of Islam with them as they set out to trade with other various groups and tribes across Africa. If not for the stability of the Muslim kingdoms of the North, many of the successful expansions of Islam would not have been able to come into fruition. The first major empire to bring Islam into Africa was led by Amr Ibn al-As in 640. Africa, being the grossly unstable region that it is is lucky to have such a strong cultural tie always there to bring a sense of stability in at least one aspect of African society. These were schismatic priests of Islam. All in all, the introduction of Islam to various parts of the continent helped to establish the roots of a faith that would be very influential in shaping most of the cultural, political, and religious climate of the continent of Africa. By examining how Islam developed and effected specific regions of the large continent can it be shown the overwhelming influence the teachings of Mohammed. Natural barriers existed in the central parts of Africa that prevented many empires from expanded beyond such barriers. Countries such as Somalia took to Islam very much so. General Ibn al-As"tms persistence and strong hand helped to create a long lasting and very influential aspect of North African life, the remnants of which are still seen today. The black Muslims of West Africa were fundamental in bringing about the Islamic conversion of the majority of West Africa. Further, the kingdoms would not have existed in the first place for the strong leaders found in each of these kingdoms would not have had such a noble and clear purpose before them. One of the strongest, Muslim kingdoms to ever exist was led by Sidi Idris, a descendent of Mohammed himself (Toynbee, 9). Even more important, Bakr used Islam to unify his empire.