1. The common elements of African Societies and the arrival of Islam
Dr. Afxendiou
AP World History 9
Sachem North High School

2. What are some similarities shared by African societies before the arrival of the monotheistic religions?

3. stateless societies
Secret societies
language
Animistic religion

4. stateless societies
organized around kinship or other forms of obligation
no central political power such as government

5. 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

6. 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.

7. What does the term Islamization mean?
Which parts of Africa were first exposed to Islam?
How did Islam enter Africa?

8. Islamization the spread of the Islamic religion
When an area takes on an Islamic character or identity

9. 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

10. How did Islam enter Africa?
Military conquest-North Africa
Trade
Sub-Saharan Africa – Trans-Saharan
East Africa - Indian Ocean trade

11. Why was Islam attractive to the people of Africa?

12. 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

13. Discuss the spread of Islam into Africa and its cultural impact