1. African Beliefs & New Ideas SSWH 6 d

2. African Beliefs
Animism: belief in spirits playing an important role in regulating daily life.
Majority of Africans remained loyal and followed animism
Africans believe in god, Mahrem

3. Believed kings were chosen because they were supposed to be related to Mahrem
Along with believing in spirits, Africans also honored the dead by making sacrifices

4. Islam Traders from Persia and Arabia settled in most port cities.
As trade increased, the Persian and Arab Muslims began to have more influence on African kingdoms
Trade increased between these groups because the Muslims brought constant business

5. Many African rulers convert to Islam as a smart business move – to keep business with the Muslim traders
Believing in Islam meant studying the Qur’an, this encouraged the spread of literacy
Many African cities began to build mosques because of Muslim influence

6. Many business owners who followed Islam started gaining status and power: government officials, and as wealthier merchants
However, those that did not follow Islam begin to lose status within the communities
Islam will continue to spread because of trade and conquering (the desire to gain more land and power)

7. Christianity
Through missionary work, some areas within Africa will become followers of Christianity
Followers of African animism, traditional beliefs, find a commonality with Christianity – they both believe in one god.

8. Christian communities do not prosper as well as Muslim communities because most Christian communities were inland and not on the coast.
Eventually, Christian communities will prosper and spread towards the coast.