WORLD HISTORY

Detailed explanation-1: -The trans-Saharan trade was an important gateway for the spread of Islam in Africa. The legacy of the medieval empires and nineteenth century reform movements continues to have relevance in present day Senegal, Gambia, Mali, Nigeria, Burkina Faso, Nigeria, as well as many neighboring communities.

Detailed explanation-2: -To reach West Africa, the religion of Islam joined the caravans of Amazigh traders. The Amazigh people were merchants who were a large part of the trans-Saharan trade. These caravans would cross the Sahara Desert to trade with the large, rich sub-Saharan empires, and they brought the religion with them.

Detailed explanation-3: -Trans-Saharan trade resulted in economic expansion across Northern and Western Africa. Large Islamic trading empires developed that controlled West African trade. These trading empires converted to Islam and supported the development of Islamic culture in the region.

Detailed explanation-4: -The coming of Islam played a significant role in the increase of trade in the Indian Ocean. We have seen already how the civilization of Islam encourages trade, and the Muslim city-states along the Swahili coast of east Africa contributed enormously to maritime trade.