Ibn Battuta's Influence On African Culture

The Islamic conquest of major regions of Africa began the formation of an extensive trading network. Ghana and later Mali of west Africa would join the trading network and become instrumental partners through their profitable gold trade. After the empire of Ghana collapsed, the Mandike people founded the empire of Mali. One specific affluent ruler was Mansa Musa (r. 1312 – 1337), who encouraged and influenced the spread of the Muslim faith to his people and beyond the borders of Africa. A well-traveled Moroccan explorer named Ibn Battuta wrote a personal document about his visit to Mali in 1326, titled the “Country of the Blacks.” Battuta’s review on the Malian people were mixed. Battuta stated the Malians adhered to the main principles of the Quran, but revised certain practices that best suited the Malian’s way of life. Battuta found the Malian practices to be odd and discussed their best and worst practices. Battuta’s personal account on the Malian society was a description of how the African societies were able to adapt and blend their religious culture with the Arabian’s religious culture in a seamless manner.
Battuta also discussed the differences between the Muslim and African cultures when it came to practicing Islam. Duiker and Spielvogel’s, “Early Civilizations in Africa” in World History Volume I, discussed the religious beliefs before the arrival of Islam in Africa, the role of women in Africa, and Mansa Musa’s architectural achievements. Another source from “Centers of Culture in Africa” discussed the learning centers of Mali and Musa’s pilgrimage to Mecca. “Trade and the Spread of Islam in Africa” discussed the influence of Islam on African societies and how they were able to preserve their cultural