Download The common elements of African Societies and the arrival

The common elements of African
Societies and the arrival of Islam
Dr. Afxendiou
AP World History 9
Sachem North High School
What are some similarities shared by African
societies before the arrival of the
monotheistic religions?
stateless societies
Secret societies
language
Animistic religion
stateless societies
organized around kinship or other forms of
obligation
no central political power such as government
Secret societies
men and women controlled customs and beliefs
and controlled ruler. Cut across lineages and
created unity. Maintained stability in the
community
Lineage – a group that traces descent from a
common ancestor
Animistic religionbelief in the power of natural forces
personified as spirits or gods, belief in
witchcraft. Belief in a creator deity
whose power and action were
expressed through spirits or lesser gods
and ancestors.
What does the term Islamization mean?
Which parts of Africa were first exposed to
Islam?
How did Islam enter Africa?
Islamization
the spread of the Islamic religion
When an area takes on an Islamic character or
identity
Which parts of Africa were first exposed to
Islam?
Egypt and North Africa
began in the 7th and 8th cent. by the Umayyad
and their conquests
Adopted by the Berbers who became Islamized
and became part of the Muslim armies that took
over Spain
How did Islam enter Africa?
 Military conquest-North Africa
 Trade
 Sub-Saharan Africa – TransSaharan
 East Africa - Indian Ocean trade
Why was Islam attractive to the people of
Africa?
Why was Islam attractive to the people of
Africa?
 Equality of all believers
 Umma-community of believers
 Tradition of uniting political and religious
rule – African rulers liked this and were
more likely to adopt Islam – it reinforced
their authority
 Islam accommodates pagan practices
 societies often stay matrilineal
 familiarity between men & women
 freedoms for women
Discuss the spread of Islam into Africa and
its cultural impact