Islam and Tropical Africa

Why did Islam spread so rapidly within Tropical Africa during the last quarter of the 19th century?

Question Demands

An analysis of the reasons why Islam appealed to Africans is expected, as is some understanding of the geographical, political, economic and cultural framework forming the necessary preconditions for Islam’s rapid expansion. The spread of Islam in several areas should be considered.

Islam had natural advantages

• In many areas of Africa it had been established for centuries.
• Both the British and the French banned Christian missionaries from areas where Islam was established (British in Sokoto Caliphate/French in the interior of Senegal) – this facilitated expansion.
• Muslim migrant workers spread Islam in both West Africa (north of the Gold Coast and among Wolof groundnut farmers in Senegal) and East Africa (Arab-Swahili traders from the coast carried Islam into the interior).
• Islam also had a message which was simpler to understand (acceptance of Allah and Muhammad meant instant membership of the Umma, no long catechumenate as for Christians).
• Socially and culturally Islam was very compatible with African traditions and behaviour (polygamy/extended family systems).
There were also political reasons for the spread of Islam:
• It could depend upon the whim of the ruler (as in Buganda where the Kabaka Mutesa used the Swahili Arabs to encourage trade until threatened by a Muslim invasion from the north making it more advantageous to ally himself with Christian missionaries).
• The establishment of colonial rule brought relative peace and stability and improved transport and communications systems allowing religion to spread.
• Islam was not associated with colonial conquest which meant in many areas it was more popular than Christianity.
Strong responses could be expected to focus on why Islam spread rapidly in the last quarter of the 19th century and in their analysis identify obvious links to the colonial expansion of Britain and France.

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