ISLAM AND TRADE IN SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA2 Assignment 2:Islam and Trade in Sub-Saharan Africa Trade was one of the activities which was widely spread in the ancient times and transcended cultural borders. It was perceived as the major way of acquiring commodities which one region lacked. It also gave the regions with surplus commodities the channel through which they could dispose off constructively. It was therefore a necessary practice since no region or community had all the resources they needed. Trade facilitated cultural and religious exchanges as merchants traversed different territories of varied cultural and religious beliefs (Smith & Smith, 2012). The religion of Islam became widespread in the Northern parts of Africa through trade between 700-1000 CE. Sub-Saharan Africa was connected to the Arabian Peninsula from where Islamic merchants and scholars came from in southwest Asia. They used the Arabian Sea, the Red Sea and mainland routes at Cairo in Egypt to penetrate Africa via the north. Subsequently, they also used the Indian Ocean to traverse the coastal towns of East Africa and the south eastern coasts of Africa spreading their religious teachings as well as doing trade. The trade routes and links were not only effective for conducting trade but also for Islamic scholars who were at times the merchants themselves to pass on their teachings, to the local communities they passed through (Levtzion & Pouwels, 2000). Trade in West Africa in particular was very intense owing to the presence of highly competitive commodities which were available and were in plenty. These merchandises included gold, salt, slaves and textiles among others. There were also regions with weapons which the merchants took a lot of interest in. Africa was rich in minerals such as salt and gold and had numerous mineral ores which only encouraged the foreign traders, for their supply was reliable.
ISLAM AND TRADE IN SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA3 Ivory was also a major trading commodity which they acquired from East Africa and transported them through the Indian Ocean to the southern parts of Asia. Dynasties and Empires such as the Ghana Empire played a significant role in trade and spread of Islam. It facilitated the formation of trade networks in West Africa regions mainly rich in gold and salt. The territorial control which the empire had was essential in mobilizing and overseeing the activities of both buyers and sellers. The rulers of these empires acted as the bridge between the foreign merchants and the natives (Austen, 2010). The increased trade in gold and salt led to the development of urban centers within the empire. The natives of African empires subscribed to new religious teachings which they received from the Islamic scholars and merchants. Their willingness to assimilate to new cultures and beliefs was to create and forge more commercial relations and continue enjoying trading with them (Smith & Smith, 2012). It is therefore correct to conclude that trade was the instrument by which Islam spread with the facilitation of efficient trade routes which the merchants created. The prevailing African Traditional religions were gradually replaced by Islam in the regions which had made strong ties with the Islamic traders (Levtzion & Pouwels, 2000). Trade was therefore an activity of influence in the ancient times. It not only made it possible to acquire needed commodities but it also led to fostering of strong ties. Indirectly, trade facilitated peace since trading communities wouldn’t engage in clashes in order to maintain economic interests between them. Most cultural and religious civilizations present today can be attributed to it. The necessity of commodities catalyzed the embracing of new ideas from those who had the commodities either willingly or unwillingly. The new ideologies would then take root with time and become part of their beliefs.
ISLAM AND TRADE IN SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA4 References Smith, B. & Smith, B. (2012).Sources of Crossroads and cultures: a history of the world's peoples. Boston: Bedford/St. Martin's. Austen, R. (2010).Trans-Saharan Africa in world history. New York: Oxford University Press. Levtzion, N. & Pouwels, R. (2000).The History of Islam in Africa. Athens: Ohio University Press