1. From the hadith (sayings of Muhammad): “The honest, truthful Muslim merchant will stand with the martyrs on the Day of Judgment. I commend the merchants to you, for they are the couriers of the horizon and God’s trusted servants on earth.”

2. Islam as a trade-based economy Geographic location Religion supports merchant activity -- Muhammad Technological advances of the Indian Ocean - Lateen sails, compass from Chinese, astrolabe Silk Road, Trans-Sahara, Indian Ocean Movement of new crops all around the region – esp. cotton Banking; joint enterprises, letters of credit Rulers not only taxed, but participated in trade ventures

3. Majority or Significant Islamic Populations

4. Ghana 1000 - 1200 CE

5. Mali 1200 - 1400 CE

6. Timbuktu on the Niger River

8. “Gold for Salt Trade”

9. “Gold & Slaves for Salt & Manufactures”

10. African Geographical Zones

11. Forest Cover in West Africa

12. Mansa Musa

13. Mosque at Djenne