Socio-Religious Activities of the Ancient Songhai Empire

Week 5:

TOPIC: Socio-Religious Activities of the Ancient Songhai Empire

The Songhai Empire was recorded as an Islamic empire because the Songhai natives were Muslims. Many of the kings of the empire were devout Muslims who valued the religious laws of their faith. Army staff, noblemen, merchants and many other people were drawn to Islam, and eventually, the religion became widespread. Some ancient Islamic structures and designs of the Songhai Empire can still be seen in the present-day Mali.

Before Islam became widespread, many Songhai people followed their traditional religion. Their traditional religion encompassed the belief in many gods, ancestor veneration, priesthood, sorcery, fortune-telling, divination, etc. Some trades and occupations were attached to some religious cults and practices. Also, some…