Which religion swept across North Africa as a result of trade with the Middle East?
(1 point)
Responses
Islam
Indigenous animist religions
Hinduism
Christianity
Islam
Islam
The correct answer is Islam. To arrive at this answer, we can analyze historical factors and the relationship between trade and religion.
When considering the religion that swept across North Africa as a result of trade with the Middle East, it is important to recognize the historical context. During the 7th century, the Arabian Peninsula saw the rise of the Islamic faith with the founding of Islam by the Prophet Muhammad. As trade routes expanded, Islam began to spread beyond the Arabian Peninsula, and through trade with the Middle East, it reached various regions, including North Africa.
To understand the spread of Islam, we can consider the following points:
1. Trade networks: Trade played a significant role in connecting different regions and introducing new ideas and beliefs. North Africa was a nexus for trade routes linking the Middle East, Europe, and the African continent. This facilitated the exchange of goods, including religious ideas and practices.
2. Arab conquests: Alongside trade, the Arab conquests of the 7th and 8th centuries played a pivotal role in the expansion of Islam. Arab Muslim armies conquered territories across North Africa, such as Egypt, Libya, and Tunisia, bringing Islamic beliefs and system of governance.
3. Conversion: As Islam spread through trade and conquest, local populations in North Africa gradually converted to the new faith. Factors that contributed to conversions included economic incentives (such as access to trade networks and improved social status), the appeal of Islam's monotheistic doctrine, and the ability of Islamic scholars to communicate and promote their beliefs.
Taking all these factors into account, it becomes clear that Islam is the religion that swept across North Africa as a result of trade with the Middle East.