Islam has always been and still is a very prominent religion in Africa. It first arrived in Egypt, around 640 AD, through trade and even armed conquest by the Byzantine Empire. In southern Africa, it was introduced through slaves and political exiles. However, the overall spread of Islam in northern Africa is attributed to Berber traders, whose caravans brought not only new goods but also new ideas.

Of course, Islam was a bit different in Africa than in its homeland farther east, especially in who was Muslim. In Africa, Islam was a religion for the elite, not for ordinary people. Most Muslims were merchants and political advisors, and they were especially respected if they knew how to read and write in Arabic. Literacy in Arabic was valued because it was important to read the Koran. Very rich Muslims such as leaders and kings had very luxurious lives, but their...