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