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.”
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
Majority or Significant Islamic Populations
Ghana CE
Mali CE
Timbuktu on the Niger River
“Gold for Salt Trade”
“Gold & Slaves for Salt & Manufactures”
African Geographical Zones
Forest Cover in West Africa
Mansa Musa
Mosque at Djenne