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Two dozen Muslims flee their home in search of protection from religious persecution. Despite this being the first place where Islam was introduced, the religion didn't take hold in this area.
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The prophet, Muhammad, died on June 8,632 at the age of 61.
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An army of around 4000 Arab men invaded Egypt. Successfully, the drove out the Byzantines.
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In the second half of the 7th century, Islam spread to North Africa after being conquered by military force.
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During the 8th century, Islam comes to the east coast of Africa. Trade between Africa and the Persian Gulf is that main reason for this. Africa offered slaves, ivory and gold for things such as spices and porcelain.
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Throughout the 8th century, the trade routes crossed from East Africa, through central Africa and on to the west coast. The movement of people on these trade routes led to the spread of Islam throughout Africa.
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Muslim traders make their way deeper into Africa causing the spread of Islam in more cities. Gao, a city in Mali, has a history of being an important center for trade in Africa.
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A militant confederation is led into a holy war. Their goal is to convert the people to Islam. In this year, 1054, they are able to take over Audaghost, a town in the southern Sahara.
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The city of Kumbi, also called Koumbi Saleh, was a capital in ancient Ghana. It was seized in 1076 after many battles during the Holy Wars.
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Islam began to take over the Christian kingdom of Nubia in the 1200's. Muslims from Egypt began to marry Nubians. Eventually, Islam replaces Christianity as the main religion in the area.
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Sufi leaders, around 1700, launch holy wars against Muslim kingdoms. These kingdoms have not abandoned traditional religions.
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In the late 1800's, British and German armies begin to take over.
Muslims are hired as civil servants, soldiers and tax collectors. Their cultural centers are turned into administrative centers...which will keep them in the cities.
