The Journey of Faith: How Islam Spread Through Trade in West Africa History JSS 3 First Term Lesson Notes Week 5

Lesson Plan: The Spread of Islam in West Africa and Nigeria

Subject: History
Class: JSS 3
Term: First Term
Week: 5
Age: 13–14 years
Topic: The Spread of Islam in West Africa and Nigeria
Sub-topic: The Role of Trade in the Spread of Islam
Duration: 40 minutes

Behavioral Objectives

At the end of the lesson, students should be able to:

1. Explain how Islam spread to West Africa through trade.
2. Identify key regions and leaders who played a role in the acceptance of Islam.
3. Discuss the influence of Islam on West African society and culture.
4. Recognize the significance of the Fulani and Hausa in the spread of Islam.

Keywords

• Islam
• Trade
• Fulani
• Hausa
• Gao
• Barmandana

Set Induction

The teacher will ask students: “What are some ways a new idea or belief can spread from one place to another?” This will lead to a discussion about how trade can influence cultural exchanges.

Entry Behavior

Students have previously learned about the Trans-Saharan trade routes and the commodities exchanged, providing a foundation for understanding the spread of Islam.

Learning Resources and Materials

• A map illustrating the trade routes from North Africa to West Africa
• Pictures of key historical figures like Gao and Barmandana
• Text excerpts on the impact of Islam on West African societies

Building Background / Connection to Prior Knowledge

The students have learned about the organization of the Trans-Saharan trade and its economic impacts. This lesson connects the economic interactions to the spread of religious beliefs.

Embedded Core Skills

• Historical inquiry
• Critical thinking
• Communication

Reference Books

• Lagos State Scheme of Work
• “A History of West Africa” by Adu Boahen
• JSS 3 History Textbook

Instructional Materials

• Map of North Africa and West Africa trade routes
• Visual aids showing cultural exchanges (art, architecture)

Content

A. The Introduction of Islam to West Africa

1. Trade Contacts:
   • North African Arabs, having embraced Islam, brought the religion to West Africa through trade interactions.
   • Trade routes facilitated the movement of goods, ideas, and beliefs, particularly in the 12th and 13th centuries.
2. Key Regions and Cities:
   • Cities like Kano, Katsina, Zaria, and Daura became centers for the spread of Islam among the Hausa and Fulani people.
3. Influence of Leaders:
   • Gao’s king, Barmandana, was the first ruler to accept Islam around 1009.
   • His conversion influenced other local leaders and traders, promoting the religion further.
4. The Role of the Fulani and Hausa:
   • The Fulani and Hausa tribes played a significant role in the spread of Islam by converting to the religion and establishing Islamic schools and centers of learning.

B. Impact of Islam on West African Society

1. Cultural Exchange:
   • Islam influenced local customs, art, and architecture, leading to a blend of indigenous and Islamic cultures.
   • The introduction of Arabic language and literature enriched local education systems.
2. Political Changes:
   • Many leaders adopted Islamic law (Sharia), impacting governance and societal norms.
   • Islamic scholars gained prominence in advising rulers, leading to the establishment of Islamic governance structures.
3. Economic Influence:
   • The Muslim community engaged in trade, promoting commerce across regions.
   • Islamic practices influenced trade regulations and ethical standards in business.

Evaluation

1. Islam spread to West Africa primarily through __________.
   a) War
   b) Trade
   c) Agriculture
   d) Migration
2. The city of __________ was an important center for the spread of Islam among the Hausa.
   a) Lagos
   b) Kano
   c) Abuja
   d) Port Harcourt
3. The first king of Gao to accept Islam was __________.
   a) Barmandana
   b) Sundiata
   c) Mansa Musa
   d) Askia Muhammad
4. The __________ were instrumental in promoting Islam in West Africa.
   a) Hausa
   b) Yoruba
   c) Zulu
   d) Berbers
5. Many Fulani established __________ to promote Islamic education.
   a) Schools
   b) Markets
   c) Hospitals
   d) Farms
6. The introduction of __________ language enriched local education.
   a) French
   b) Arabic
   c) English
   d) Portuguese
7. The spread of Islam began in the __________ century.
   a) 10th
   b) 11th
   c) 12th
   d) 13th
8. Islam influenced political structures by introducing __________ law.
   a) Roman
   b) Common
   c) Civil
   d) Islamic
9. Trade routes connected North Africa to __________ in West Africa.
   a) Nigeria
   b) Ghana
   c) Senegal
   d) Mali
10. The Fulani played a significant role in the spread of Islam through __________.
    a) Education
    b) Warfare
    c) Agriculture
    d) Mining

Class Activity Discussion

1. How did Islam spread to West Africa?
   Through trade interactions with North African Arabs.
2. Who was the first king of Gao to accept Islam?
   King Barmandana.
3. Which cities were key centers for the spread of Islam?
   Kano, Katsina, Zaria, and Daura.
4. What role did the Fulani and Hausa play in Islam’s spread?
   They converted to Islam and established educational centers.
5. What cultural influences did Islam bring to West Africa?
   It influenced local customs, art, and architecture.
6. What is Sharia?
   Islamic law adopted by some West African rulers.
7. How did Islam impact trade in West Africa?
   It promoted commerce and established ethical standards in trade.
8. In which century did the spread of Islam begin?
   The 12th century.
9. What language enriched education in West Africa due to Islam?
   Arabic.
10. What were some benefits of Islamic governance in West Africa?
    It provided structure, legal frameworks, and educational opportunities.

Presentation

1. Step 1: Review the economic and cultural exchanges facilitated by the Trans-Saharan trade.
2. Step 2: Discuss how trade led to the spread of Islam in West Africa.
3. Step 3: Engage students in small groups to discuss the impacts of Islam on their communities today.

Teacher’s Activities

• Use a map to show trade routes and key cities.
• Lead discussions on the influence of Islam on West African society and culture.

Learners’ Activities

• Participate in group discussions and presentations about the spread of Islam.
• Share examples of how Islamic practices may still influence their lives today.

Assessment

• Explain how trade facilitated the spread of Islam to West Africa.
• Identify key figures and regions involved in the acceptance of Islam.

Evaluation Questions

1. What was the main method of spreading Islam to West Africa?
2. Who was Barmandana?
3. Name two cities where Islam was widely accepted.
4. What role did the Fulani play in the spread of Islam?
5. How did Islam affect local culture in West Africa?
6. What law influenced governance in Islamic regions?
7. What language became important due to the spread of Islam?
8. In what century did the spread of Islam significantly increase?
9. Name one economic impact of Islam on West Africa.
10. How did trade influence the acceptance of Islam among leaders?

Conclusion

The teacher will summarize the key points about the spread of Islam in West Africa, emphasizing the role of trade and the significant contributions of local leaders and communities.