From the hadith (sayings of Muhammad):

“The honest, truthful Muslim merchant will stand with the martyrs on the Day of Judgment. I commend the merchants to you, for they are the

couriers of the horizon and God’s trusted servants on earth.”

Islam as a trade-based economy• Geographic location• Religion supports merchant activity -- Muhammad• Technological advances of the Indian Ocean -

Lateen sails, compass from Chinese, astrolabe• Silk Road, Trans-Sahara, Indian Ocean• Movement of new crops all around the region –

esp. cotton• Banking; joint enterprises, letters of credit• Rulers not only taxed, but participated in trade

ventures

Majority or Significant Islamic Populations

Ghana1000 - 1200

CE

Mali 1200 -

1400 CE

Timbuktu on the Niger River

Timbuktu on the Niger River

“Gold for Salt Trade”

“Gold & Slaves for Salt & Manufactures”

African Geographical Zones

Forest Cover in West Africa

Mansa Musa

Mosque at Djenne

Mosque at Djenne