1.3. Songhay rulers, religion and the importance of Timbuktu Flashcards
What is Shari’a?
Islamic law that governs the Songhay Empire
Shari’a influences both personal conduct and legal matters within the empire.
What role did Jihad play in the Songhay military conflicts?
Justification for military campaigns and territorial expansion
Jihad was often invoked to rally support for military actions.
What was the significance of Timbuktu in the Songhay Empire?
Centre of religion, learning, law, and commerce
Timbuktu attracted scholars, traders, and was vital for the gold-salt trade.
How did the Sonni and Askia dynasties differ in their approach to Islam?
Sonni dynasty had a more traditional approach, while Askia promoted Islam actively
Askia Muhammad’s reign marked a significant shift towards Islamic governance.
What was the ulama’s vision of the ideal form of government?
A government that operates under Islamic principles and law
The ulama emphasized justice and adherence to Shari’a.
True or False: Secular power in the Songhay Empire was derived from religious ideology.
False
Secular power was based on effective governance rather than religious beliefs.
What was the role of the sohanci in the Songhay Empire?
Traditional priests who communicated with local spirits
Sohanci were involved in rituals and problem-solving through spiritual means.
What is the term for the combination of different religious beliefs?
Syncretism
This was evident in the blending of Islam with traditional African beliefs.
What was the economic significance of gold and salt in the Songhay Empire?
Major commodities that facilitated trade and wealth
The gold-salt trade was central to the empire’s economy.
What led to the decline of Timbuktu as a center of learning?
Invasion by Morocco and the alienation of religious authorities
Following the invasion, the relationship between political and religious powers deteriorated.
Who was Sheikh Bin Abdulkarim al-Maghili?
A jurist and reformer who influenced Islamic governance in West Africa
He advised Askia Muhammad and played a key role in converting ruling classes to Islam.
What was the impact of Askia Muhammad’s Hajj on his rule?
He returned with religious legitimacy and a strengthened Islamic authority
His pilgrimage reinforced his commitment to Islam and governance.
Fill in the blank: The _______ was a commercial and residential area established for Muslim merchants in Gao.
mosque
This area facilitated trade and cultural exchange with North African Muslims.
How did the Askia dynasty maintain positive relations with the religious estate?
Through marriage ties, gifts, and mutual respect
These strategies helped ensure loyalty from religious leaders and their followers.
What was the role of Islamic scholars in the Songhay Empire?
They provided legal frameworks and influenced governance
Scholars like the ulama were crucial in interpreting Islamic law for administration.
True or False: Askia Muhammad completely disregarded the advice of Islamic scholars.
False
He relied on their advice for spiritual and judicial matters.
What is the significance of the phrase ‘Obey God and obey the Messenger and those among you who have authority’ in the context of Songhay governance?
It highlights the balance between secular and religious authority
This Qur’anic text illustrates the expectation for rulers to govern justly.
What happened to the relationship between political power and religious authorities during the reign of the askias?
The special relationship broke down, leading to alienation of the men of religion and intellectual decline in Timbuktu
As a result, towns like Walata and Katsina began to flourish.
What was the significance of the Mossi in relation to other precolonial West African kingdoms?
Mossi resisted Islam and prevented its expansion southeastwards, unlike other states that accepted Islam
They were surrounded by powerful Islamic states but had no direct links with North Africa.
What action did the Mossi kingdom of Yatenga take against the Mali empire?
They invaded the empire and conquered Timbuktu around 1400 A.D.
This was after the reign of Mansa Suleiman of Mali.
What conflict occurred between the Mossi and Songhai between 1464 and 1492?
Mossi struggled with Songhai over control of the Niger Bend
The Mossi sacked Walata but were repulsed.
What was the outcome of Sunni Ali’s invasion of the Mossi capital?
He captured slaves and booty from the capital of Mossi king, Nasiri
This occurred before the end of the 15th century.
What did Askia Muhammad do in response to his pilgrimage to Mecca?
He launched a jihad against the Mossi in 1498-9
Despite defeating the Mossi, he failed to Islamise them.
What was the impact of Songhai campaigns against the Mossi in the mid-16th century?
They ended the Mossi threat to Songhai control of the Niger Bend
Fill in the blank: The promotion of learning was the most significant achievement of the _______ dynasty in Songhay.
[Aksia]
True or False: The Mossi had direct links with North Africa.
False
What towns began to flourish after the decline of Timbuktu’s intellectual status?
Walata and Katsina
This occurred after the breakdown of the relationship between political power and religious authorities.
