The Trade Connections Between Mali And Northern Africa

Trade is a critical component in spreading beliefs and cultural customs across many distinct regions. Tradesmen were the people who would usually pass on the ideas that they heard or spoke about with the men that they traded with. Mali was an area of Africa that was greatly influenced by outside regions. The trade connections that Mali had with the Middle East spread Islam in the region and the connection with Northern Africa influenced Mali’s political structure.
The Islamic religion was spread between interactions that Mali and the Middle East had. The trade that occurred between these two regions allowed for religious exchange to occur. Tradesmen from the Middle East were able to spread their ideals and beliefs which led to the adoption
Africans strongly believed that Allah was responsible for all the good things that occurred in their lives. The story of Sundiata emphasized this when it states that, “[A]fter seven years’ absence Lahilatoul was able to return, by the grace of Allah the Almighty, to Mali where none expected to see him anymore.” The people of Mali idolized Allah and sought guidance from him. In their eyes, Allah possessed immense power and would punish those who did not lead their lives in a respectful and religious manner. The Islamic religion was not entirely adapted to because of the values that it upheld. In the beginning, it was done to benefit the African societies. “[T]he desire to engage in
Trade between North Africa and Mali across the Sahara desert influenced how Mali’s kings justified their power and how they ruled their empires. “The kings of Mali combined African traditions of divine kingship with patronage of the Islamic faith” just like the Egyptians utilized divine power to justify their rule. The subjects of Egyptian kings believed that the gods chose who their king should be which made them very loyal. The kings of Mali were influenced by this and mixed politics with religion as well. Another area of Mali rule that was influenced by the Egyptians was their lack of violence towards their subjects. Ibn Buttata states, “one of their good features is the lack of oppression” which demonstrates that the kings of Mali were king to their subjects and respected them. The Egyptians were also king to their subjects and wanted to keep them content so that they would lead peaceful lives. This type of ruling was essential in order to keep the people from rebelling against their king. Having the people content also meant that people would be more generous and loyal to the king. Having loyalty to the king and being happy would mean that the people would also love their king. This is demonstrated in the story of Sundiata when it is said that, “[h]e protected the weak against the strong and people would make journeys lasting several days to come and demand justice of