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Nov 8, 615
Migration to Abyssinia
615 CE The Muslim people migrated to Abyssinia, formerly known as Ethiopia, to escape discrimination from the Makkans. They were welcomed and treated well by King Negus. King Negus would convert to Islam soon after. Originally, he was a Christian. He was the first King to convert to the Islamic faith. Abyssinia was considered a significant shelter for Muslims enter Africa. -
Nov 9, 670
Conquest of North Africa
670 CE Uqba ibn Nafi, orginially an Arab general, began the conquest of North Africa for the Muslims. In 670, he moved up in rank to commander. He led his army into North Africa. He and his army had to cross the Egyptian deserts and he set up posts along his route to North Africa. “Oh God, if the sea had not prevented me, I would have galloped on for ever like Alexander the Great, upholding your faith and fighting the disbelievers.” He was on this conquest in order to spread the Muslim faith to -
Nov 9, 750
Conquering of the Middle East
750 CE By 750, the Arab tribes were able to conquer all over the Middle East. Arab tribes were able to conquer Iraq and Iran, Syria and Palestine, Egypt and North Africa, and Spain. They were also beginning to make their way into Asia, western India and France. At this time, Muslim Arabs were able to create a huge Islamic Empire. -
Nov 9, 1000
Trek to Timbuktu
1000 CE Timbuktu, a city on the southern edge of the Sahara Desert, was founded. It was hear West African tribes began to learn more about the Islamic ways. As more traders settled in Timbuktu, others followed; more specifically Islamic scholars followed. These scholars taught the people who to speak and write Arabic. It was important to the West African Muslims to learn the Qur’an. -
Nov 9, 1087
The fall of Ghana
1087 CE A group of people living in a region in Western African, known as the Soninke, took control of Ghana. The king, known as The Ghana, required traders in the area to give him a percentage of the products they were trading. He also placed taxes on the local goldmines. As the newly controlled Ghana expanded, neighboring areas were required to pay taxes as well. Berbers eventually fought to regain controlled of Ghana. They wanted to gain control of the trade routes and launched a war again Gh -
Nov 9, 1307
Muslim King of Mali
1307 CE A devoted Muslim named Mansa Musa becomes king of Mali. It was under his ruling that there was a great increase in conversion to Islam. -
Nov 9, 1324
Pilgrimmage to Makkah
1324 CE Mansa Musa makes a pilgrimage to Makkah. With his return to Mali, Mansa Musa had brought Muslim scholars from Makkah to each in Mali. Before his death in 1332 CE, Mansa Musa expanded Mali’s border. After his death, different kings ruled Mali. All were unable to protect the various territories. Songhai (Niger area) beings to revolt. The people from the south begin to raid Mali’s southern boarders. -
Nov 9, 1464
Sonhai Conquest of Neighboring Areas
1464 CE Under Sunni Ali leadership, Songhai beings conquering neighboring areas. Though Sunni Ali was a Muslims, after his death, Sunni Baru, his non-Muslim son, takes over leadership. -
Nov 9, 1490
Encourage Non-Muslims to convert in Africa
1490 CE Askia Muhammad and his descendants over threw Sunni Baru. Askia Muhammad was strict Muslims. They outlawed traditional African religions and encouraged non-Muslims to convert. He invites multiple scholars to come into Songhai and made his city a city of learning. By 1500 CE, the number of Muslims increase and Songhai becomes the greatest empire in Africa. -
Trek to Ghana
900 CE By this time, Arab Merchants worked their way into Ghana, which is Western Africa. As time pasted, Arabs were able to educate the people of Ghana about the Islamic faith. After being educated, many people converted to Islam. People who converted included government officials and merchants. Mandinke people (of West Africa) were some of the first to convert their beliefs. They helped spread Islam throughout West Africa. They build small trading companies that were able to reach out to many
