Topic 8 The Muslim World and Africa (Part 2)

"...we sailed for fifteen days and came to Maqdashaw [Mogadishu], which is an enormous town. Its inhabitants are merchants... When a vessel reaches the port, it is met by sumbuqs, which are small boats, in each of which are a number of young men, carrying a covered dish containing food. He presents this to one of the merchants on the ship saying "This is my guest" ... Each merchant on disembarking goes only to the house of the young man who is his host...the host then sells his goods for him and buys for him, and if anyone buys anything from him at too low a price, or sells to him in the absence of his host, the sale is regarded by them as invalid."—Ibn Battuta, The Rihlah

What conclusion does this description from the 30-year voyage of the medieval-era African explorer Ibn Battuta support?

• Trade with distant cultures such as the Chinese, Persians, and Arabians was central to the economies of East African kingdoms.

• Ocean travel on the Indian Ocean helped to connect different cultures, leading to greater understanding and tolerance of new traditions and ideas in East Africa.

• East African kingdoms such as Axum and Ethiopia were largely disconnected from distant cultures due to the enormous geographical barrier of the Indian Ocean.

• Islam had a much stronger influence on the daily lives of East African peoples compared to Judaism or Christianity due to the region’s proximity to the Middle East.

What conclusion does this Christian-themed crown from medieval Ethiopia support?

• Islam never spread to Axum and Ethiopia due to its many geographical barriers.

• Christianity played a major cultural and political role in Axum and Ethiopia.

• The rulers of the region forced Christianity on a mainly Muslim population.

• Christianity played a major economic role in Axum and Ethiopia.

In African villages that were part of a larger kingdom, decisions that had to be obeyed were made

• in distant courts.

• by village elders.

• through consensus.

• by village women.

What makes the Swahili language a valid example supporting the conclusion that East Africa’s geographic proximity to the coast affected its culture?

• Swahili incorporates the languages of India with Bantu.

• Swahili blends Islamic and Christian terms.

• Swahili means “of the coast.”

• Swahili blends aspects Bantu with Arabic.

“Naré Fa Maghan ruled over the small kingdom of Mali, beginning C.E. or A.D. 1200. King Maghan was the son of a long lineage of distinguished hunters, known for their bravery, skill and their ability to communicate with jinns, spirits that hold influence over human lives. At this time, Manding [or Mande] rulers like Maghan had adapted the religion of Islam, but the new faith from the north had not altered their belief in the world of spirits. So when a hunter from the north came to Maghan and made a prophecy, the king and his griot took it very seriously....”—excerpt of the epic story of Sundjata as told aloud by a modern traditional African griot

Based on your reading and this excerpt, select the statement that best describes the role of the griot.

• Griots were charged with promoting a sense of community by amusing leaders with literature, and by offering the people spiritual advice.

• Griots were like a librarians charged with preserving the written tales, histories, and myths of the past.

• Griots' main function was to entertain audiences with traditional folk tales and myths.

• Griots were a combination of advisors, historians, and entertainers charged with preserving rich oral traditions for future generations.

Which was a core social factor gave people a sense of community and shared responsibility in medieval African culture?

• matrilineal inheritance

• nuclear family

• extended lineages

• patrilineal inheritance

Which factor allowed the ancient kingdom of Ghana to become so successful?

• The kingdom's location allowed it to control the gold-salt trade.

• The kingdom's rulers were godlike figures who ruled with absolute authority.

• The kingdom was able to resist being overtaken by the neighboring kingdom of Mali.

• The kingdom produced a surplus of food that it traded with people in the modern day countries of Nigeria and Senegal.

Describe the Five Pillars of Islam in your own words.

Evaluate the importance of the Quran to Muslims.

Answer explanation

The Quran is the holy book of Islam, believed to be the word of God as revealed to Prophet Muhammad. It guides Muslims in faith, practice, and morality, making it central to their spiritual and daily lives.

What factors led to the rapid growth of Islam following Muhammad’s death, despite early internal conflicts between Sunni and Shia?

Answer explanation

Islam's rapid growth post-Muhammad was fueled by military conquests, trade expansion, and the appeal of its message, which transcended early Sunni-Shia conflicts, allowing for a unified spread across diverse regions.