The Spread of Islam Through Trade in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Study

This essay examines the significant role of trade in the spread of Islam throughout Sub-Saharan Africa between 700-1000 CE. It highlights how trade routes, particularly those connecting the Arabian Peninsula to East and West Africa, facilitated the movement of Islamic merchants and scholars. The essay discusses the importance of commodities like gold, salt, and slaves, as well as the influence of empires such as the Ghana Empire in establishing trade networks. It emphasizes how trade not only enabled the exchange of goods but also fostered cultural and religious exchanges, leading to the gradual adoption of Islam in the region. The essay concludes by underscoring the profound influence of trade in shaping cultural and religious landscapes, promoting peace and facilitating the integration of new ideas and beliefs, which are now a part of the African identity.

Running head: ISLAM AND TRADE IN SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA 1
Islam and Trade in Sub-Saharan Africa
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ISLAM AND TRADE IN SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA 2
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 AFRICA 3
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.

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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