Question

How did trans-Saharan routes contribute to the spread of Islam in Africa?

a) By facilitating trade and cultural exchange
b) Through military conquests along the trade routes
c) By promoting indigenous African religions
d) None of the above

Answer 1

The trans-Saharan routes contributed to the spread of Islam in Africa through trade and cultural exchange.

Step-by-step explanation:

The trans-Saharan routes contributed to the spread of Islam in Africa by facilitating trade and cultural exchange. Muslim merchants, traders, scholars, and missionaries traveled along these routes, bringing the ideas of Islam to various regions in Africa. The trade networks allowed for the spread of the Arabic language, Islamic customs, traditions, and values. The presence of mosques in West African trading towns is evidence of the influence of Islam in these areas.