Author Question: In what ways did Islam influence ancient African political, economic, and cultural development prior ... (Read 86 times)

cmoore54 · **on:** Aug 9, 2018

In what ways did Islam influence ancient African political, economic, and cultural development prior to European arrival? How does that impact manifest itself today?

What will be an ideal response?

Question 2

Explain the role, status, and power of African women in ancient Africa.

What will be an ideal response?

djofnc · **Reply #1 on:** Aug 9, 2018

Answer to Question 1

Ideal Answer: The ideal answer should:
1) Define Muslim countries in ancient sub-Saharan Africa as Ghana, Mali, and Songhai. Islam arrived from North Africa by Arab merchants who also brought Arabic culture.
2) Explain that Arabs replaced Romans as the major foreign traders in Africa by the ninth century, leading to the conversion of African leaders to Islam.
3) Note that in Ghana, Arab Muslims dominated the monarchy and introduced writing into the culture.
4) Explain that Islam shaped African slavery. In Islamic regions of West Africa, masters had obligations to their slaves similar to those of a guardian for a ward.
5) Point out that Islam in many areas particularly of North and West Africa influenced African religion and African culture, including architecture, family life, and the roles of men and women in society.
6) Conclude that in modern Africa, the historical imprint of Islam remains strong in cultural, political, and religious influences that define modern national development in a time of expanding democracy.

Answer to Question 2

Ideal Answer: The ideal answer should:
1) Define African women as including North Africa and ancient Egyptian culture as well as West, Central, Southern, and Eastern African women.
2) Point out that women were often seen as the property of men, and men dominated African women to the point of widespread enslavement of women and polygamy.
3) Note that women did in some cultures have the right to own property, inherit property, control the income from property, and serve as government officials.
4) Note the irony that women who served as government officials were often slaves.
5) Provide an example of the power of African women: The Ashantee Queen held her own court to decide women's affairs.
6) Conclude that women held considerable power over their sexuality; secret societies taught women to be virtuous.