Final answer:
Mansa Musa saw himself as a devout Muslim and a wealthy, generous king, known for his pilgrimage to Mecca and the wealth he distributed along the way. He expanded Mali, established Timbuktu as an educational center, and faced consequences for his spending in Egypt.
Step-by-step explanation:
Mansa Musa, the ruler of Mali from 1312 to 1337, viewed himself as a devout Muslim monarch who was the wealthiest and most noble lord due to the abundance of gold in his territory. His pilgrimage to Mecca in 1324-1325 showcased his staggering wealth and dedication to Islam, as he traveled with a grand caravan that included slaves and elephants carrying gold, which was distributed along the way. This journey not only demonstrated his piety but also his generosity and the immense resources of his empire.
Mansa Musa extended the empire of Mali, overseeing a vast and prosperous region known for its trade in gold and salt. When in Egypt, his lavish gifts were enough to cause inflation that lasted for twelve years. He used his wealth to establish Timbuktu as a center of Muslim scholarship and invested in educational initiatives, such as sending students to Morocco for studies, which contributed to the reputation of Mali as an important cultural and educational hub.