Final answer:
The African Muslim rulers of Mali converted to Islam and used their wealth to establish mosques and schools, particularly in Timbuktu. Mansa Musa, one of the most famous rulers, transformed Timbuktu into a center of Islamic scholarship and learning.
Step-by-step explanation:
The African Muslim rulers of Mali played a significant role in the development and influence of the kingdom. They converted to Islam, making Mali the largest Islamic kingdom in West Africa. The wealth of Mali attracted scholars and jurists from around the Islamic world, and the rulers used their riches to establish mosques and schools, particularly in the trading center of Timbuktu. One of the most famous rulers of Mali, Mansa Musa, transformed Timbuktu into a center of Islamic scholarship and learning during the 14th century.