Introduction
In today’s age, there are numerous arguments regarding the Islamic religion. Just as with any other religion, not everyone accepted the Islamic religion in the past. One of the regions that were more rebellious against Islam was West Africa. Therefore, with the introduction of Islam in that region, it was hard for individuals from that area not to be affected by the religion. For instance, Mali was one of the regions most affected in West Africa. It was most affected since it was among the wealthiest countries in West Africa due to its geographical location. Unlike Christianity, Islam is not just a mass of doctrines or religion, rituals and beliefs but also a way of civilization or life. Although Islam was associated with several adverse effects, it also positively impacted West African countries in different ways, as discussed in this essay.
Positive Impacts of Islam in West Africa
Transforming the Administration System
The introduction of Islam into West Africa in the 8th century A.D. marked a significant shift in how the region was governed. As a religion and an ideology, Islam brought with it a system of justice and taxation that was more efficient than the previous systems in place (Ariviani, 2018). This change in the administration system was felt throughout West Africa, as Muslim rulers were employed to take on essential roles in many countries’ administrations. The first Muslim rulers in West Africa were the Almoravids, who arrived in the region in the 11th century (Ariviani, 2018). They brought with them the concepts of justice, taxation, and the rule of law, introducing these into the existing system of governance. That was an entirely new concept for West Africa, as the previous system had been based on tribal and family loyalties. The Almoravids laid the foundations for a more efficient administration system by introducing an impartial system of justice and taxation.
The Almoravids were followed by the Mali Empire, which was founded in the 13th century. Under the rule of Mansa Musa, the Mali Empire further developed the administration system created by the Almoravids (Duderija & Rane, 2019). Taxation was used to fund the empire, while a justice system was established to ensure that all citizens were treated equally. This justice system was based on Islamic principles, which helped ensure the administration system was efficient and fair. It was not just the Mali Empire that adopted the Islamic administration system. Across West Africa, other countries began to embrace the Islamic system of justice and taxation. That included Ghana, which employed Muslim rulers to oversee its administration. That is evident in the 14th century when Ghana was ruled by the Muslim ruler Abu Bakr ibn Umar (Duderija & Rane, 2019). By employing such Muslim rulers, Ghana could reap the benefits of the Islamic administration system, ensuring their administration was efficient and just.
Establishing Diplomatic Relations
The advent of Islam in West Africa brought about a new era of diplomatic relations among Islamic countries. In particular, the West African ruler established diplomatic ties with countries such as Tunis and Egypt. The West African ruler also connected with the Ottoman Empire and southern Spain. These diplomatic ties among the Islamic countries contributed to the exchange of goods and ideas and increased cultural understanding and acceptance (Ariviani, 2018). That would ultimately have a significant impact on Indian society. Islamic influence was often seen in government and law in the West African region. This influence allowed for the formation of diplomatic relations between Islamic countries. The West African ruler formed diplomatic ties with countries such as Tunis and Egypt due to the presence of Islamic law and culture (Duderija & Rane, 2019). These ties allowed for exchanging goods and ideas, ultimately positively affecting Indian society. For example, introducing Islamic law and culture to India increased access to greater freedom of trade and movement, creating a more prosperous economy.
Moreover, the diplomatic relations between Islamic countries and the West African ruler allowed Islamic culture and values to spread. That had an equally positive effect on Indian society, as introducing Islamic values and culture increased understanding and acceptance of different cultures and religions (Duderija & Rane, 2019). That allowed for greater tolerance and understanding of different cultures, which encouraged greater unity and peace among the people of India. Furthermore, diplomatic relations between the West African ruler, the Ottoman Empire, and southern Spain also significantly impacted Indian society (Duderija & Rane, 2019). The diplomatic ties between these countries contributed to the spreading of religious and cultural values from the Middle East to India. That allowed for a greater understanding and acceptance of different religions and cultures in India, which ultimately helped to foster a more peaceful and tolerant society.
Creating the Army
The Hajj was and is a significant event in the Islamic faith and profoundly impacted Islam’s development in West Africa. The pilgrims who returned from Mecca brought back knowledge, ideas, and Islamic faith teachings (Duderija & Rane, 2019). That was important for the spread of Islam in West Africa, as it provided the people with a much deeper understanding of the religion and its teachings (Ariviani, 2018). The pilgrims also brought back many allies, which could be used to protect and defend the countries they were visiting. That was especially true in the case of the Sokoto Caliphate in West Africa, which was formed by a group of Muslim scholars and religious leaders who had gone on the Hajj.
The Hajj also enabled the formation of strong armies in West Africa. Many pilgrims who returned from Mecca brought back soldiers and fighters willing to fight for their religion and homeland. That allowed the rulers of the Caliphate to build a powerful army that could protect their territories and defend against external threats (Ariviani, 2018). That was an essential factor in the spread of Islam in West Africa, as it allowed the rulers to protect their territories and spread the religion to new areas. The Hajj also brought about a sense of unity among the Muslim communities of West Africa. As the pilgrims returned, they brought back stories of the unity and brotherhood experienced in Mecca (Duderija & Rane, 2019). That was essential in developing a unified Muslim community in West Africa and allowed for a shared sense of identity and purpose. This unity was also important in the spread of Islam, as it created a sense of shared purpose and identity among the Muslims of West Africa, which helped strengthen their faith and commitment to the religion.
School Establishment
The spread of Islam in West Africa has had a reflective and long-lasting impact on the region’s educational development. Islamization began in the 7th century, and since then, Islamic education has been a significant force in the region (Duderija & Rane, 2019). It has been instrumental in the establishment of schools, the spread of literacy, and the development of a more educated populace. The most influential aspect of Islamic education in West Africa has been its focus on literacy (Ariviani, 2018). Muslim scholars taught their students the basics of reading and writing, giving them the foundation to pursue knowledge in other fields. That led to the spread of literacy throughout the region, allowing more people to access education and knowledge. In addition, Islamic schools were established in the larger cities and towns of Western Sudan, providing access to educational opportunities for the local population.
The Islamic educational system also had a significant role in developing educational infrastructure in West Africa. Schools were established in many parts of the region, increasing access to education for the local population. Islamic teachers provide instruction in various subjects, including literature, mathematics, science, and philosophy (Duderija & Rane, 2019). That allowed students to develop a more comprehensive understanding of the world around them, enabling them to think critically and develop their opinions. In addition to the spread of literacy and the establishment of schools, Islamic education in West Africa also profoundly impacted the development of the region’s culture. Islamic teaching emphasized the importance of morality and ethical behavior, which positively affected the overall well-being of the region. The spread of Islamic education also helped to create a more unified society where different ethnic groups could come together and work towards common goals.
Conclusion
Islam in West Africa brought essential changes in many countries where it spread. It provided a new perspective, civilization, and way of life. In addition, it is clear that Islam profoundly affected the establishment of diplomatic relations between Islamic countries and the West African ruler. These diplomatic ties allowed for the exchange of goods and ideas, ultimately significantly impacting Indian society. For instance, introducing Islamic law and culture allowed for increased freedom of trade and movement, which fostered a more prosperous economy. Additionally, the spread of Islamic values and culture brought about greater tolerance and understanding of different cultures and religions, which ultimately helped to foster a more peaceful and tolerant society in India.
References
Ariviani, I. (2018). 12 Positive Impacts of Islam in West Africa Civilization. AZislam.com. Web.
Duderija, A., & Rane, H. (2019). Islam and Muslims in the West. 1st Edition. Cham: Palgrave Macmillan. Web.