WORLD HISTORY

Detailed explanation-1: -The spread of Islam to sub-Saharan African was linked to trans-Saharan trade. Islam spread via trade routes, and Africans converting to Islam increased trade and commerce. Historians give many reasons for the spread of Islam facilitating trade. Islam established common values and rules upon which trade was conducted.

Detailed explanation-2: -The rise of Muslim states in Africa was the result of a dramatic power struggle for political, religious, and cultural control of the region. Islam is an Arabic religion that was founded around 613 by the prophet Muhammad.

Detailed explanation-3: -While the motivations of early conversions remain unclear, it is apparent that the early presence of Islam in West Africa was linked to trade and commerce with North Africa. Trade between West Africa and the Mediterranean predated Islam, however, North African Muslims intensified the Trans-Saharan trade.

Detailed explanation-4: -Islam had already spread into northern Africa by the mid-seventh century A.D., only a few decades after the prophet Muhammad moved with his followers from Mecca to Medina on the neighboring Arabian Peninsula (622 A.D./1 A.H.).