In what ways did Islam influence ancient African political, economic, and cultural development prior to European arrival? How does that impact manifest itself today?

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

Ideal Answer: The ideal answer should:
1) Define Muslim countries in ancient sub-Saharan Africa as Ghana, Mali, and Songhai. Islam arrived from North Africa by Arab merchants who also brought Arabic culture.
2) Explain that Arabs replaced Romans as the major foreign traders in Africa by the ninth century, leading to the conversion of African leaders to Islam.
3) Note that in Ghana, Arab Muslims dominated the monarchy and introduced writing into the culture.
4) Explain that Islam shaped African slavery. In Islamic regions of West Africa, masters had obligations to their slaves similar to those of a guardian for a ward.
5) Point out that Islam in many areas particularly of North and West Africa influenced African religion and African culture, including architecture, family life, and the roles of men and women in society.
6) Conclude that in modern Africa, the historical imprint of Islam remains strong in cultural, political, and religious influences that define modern national development in a time of expanding democracy.