The arrival of Islam in Africa

One common mistake about neo-conservative/right-wing thought and the general trend that followed in the wake of Huntington’s Clash of Civilisations, is that Islam “colonised” Africa. This suggestion that Islam “colonised Africa” was reflected in Lyndall Beddy’s comment of 23 July. While I hold no brief for Muslims or Islam, it should be made clear that one historical account of the “arrival” of the religion on the continent explains that it preceded the colonial period in Africa. So, any persistent attempts to link Islam with the colonial period is delusional; by which I mean a person holding onto a belief even when facts to the contrary are presented.

I also do not want this to slide into a debate in which commentators and contributors speak at cross purposes, mix levels of analysis or launch personal attacks such as the one which suggests that I am a typical academic who has no on-the-ground experience. Again, such comments are unproductive and, well, may be delusional. Regardless of what the facts of my background may say the personal comments will continue.

So, here’s a brief reply to Lyndall Beddy’s comment which, like her first (and another, which I shall deal with in a later post) is without factual basis.

Christianity and Islam did not “colonise” Africa.

Christianity, we know, arrived mainly with European colonists. Islam (and to a limited extent, Judaism) came into Africa as early as the 8th Century of the Common Era. Islam came across the Sahara on trade routes to West Africa, and down the Eastern seaboard with merchant vessels. There is/was a small Jewish influence and presence in Timbuktu. I am placing the following graphic in this post, but don’t expect Beddy to change her mind; such is the nature of delusional discourse.

2. The question of Europe’s move from tribalism to feudalism to “democracy” is much too vague. It cuts corners, is intellectually occlusive and generally weak. In fact her biggest mistake is about the transition “from feudalism to democracy”; it needs a lot of explaining. She is quite forceful in her commentary so I suggest she gets a grip on the historical sequence – the transition should be well known to almost anyone. Like her “until recently” comment she is much too simplistic to be taken seriously. I also cannot see the link between her claims about European transition from feudalism “to democracy” and my contention that Africa is complex and that we ought to be cautious when using generalisations.

Finally, a basic requirement of good argument is that when a statement of fact is made, it is usually good practice to present evidence in support of said statement. When discussing historical phenomena such as the transition from feudalism to capitalism (hint) simple phrases like “until recently” and other generalisations simply do not work. If one wants to be taken seriously it might help to make serious contributions to discussions.