Spread of Islam in West Africa by Professor Abdur-Rahman I...

The author of this article, professor ‘Abdur-Rahman I Doi, had established the Dar as-Salaam Islamic Research Center and had great experience in researching, lecturing and administration in African societal studies. In his article â€Å"Spread of Islam in West Africa†, he traced the path that Islam as a new religion went throw before it spread into sub-Saharan region of West Africa focusing on the Empires of Ghana, Mali and Songhay, the Empires of Kanem-Bornu and Hausa-Fulani Land. He described the influence of Islam on the â€Å"Dyaogo dynasty of the Kingdom of Tekur†, who were the first black people accept Islam in 850C.E. They use to work in trades and live in a peaceful atmosphere. At early days of Islam, the Empire of Ghana had a general theme of an advanced civilization in a Muslim community where few mosques were built as analyzed in Al-Bakri’s book, The Book of Roads and Kingdoms. In his analysis to Islamic establishment in Empires of Mali and Songhay, professor Doi mentioned that Islam first arrived to Mali in 15th century. In Mali, he focused on Mansa Musa (1312 to 1337). He was considered as the most influential person in the history of Islam in this country. He was a great king with inspiring personality allowing him to make historical recognition and fame in Africa countries especially after his famous pilgrimage to Makkah. Later in Ibn Batutah’s, who was a famous 14th century Muslim traveler, exploring the places he visited and the people he encountered. In his visit