Islam in Africa

When I would travel to Nigeria as a child I greatly enjoyed spending time with my paternal grandmother because she was the kindest woman I knew. I could always feel the love radiating from her so I enjoyed being in her presence. My grandmother  was a devout Muslim who was always praying and she normally had her prayers beads in her hands to guide her prayers. My grandmother's dedication to prayer was admirable and it is a source of inspiration for me.

The word 'Islam' means submission to the will of God in Arabic. Surah 16:36 of the Quran tells us that God sent messengers to every nation of the earth telling the people to worship Him and turn away from false deities. I believe this is the reason why every tribe of people originally had a different religion. The messengers had a specific message for their people based on their particular circumstances at that time. Surah 12:2 of the Quran states that the Quran was sent down in Arabic for the Arabic people indicating that the guidance was for the people in that region. The religion spread to Africa after Arabs invaded the continent in the 7th century converting many African people to Islam. For more information about Islam in Africa, please visit this  feature on the BBC website.

I have a great deal of respect for Muslims and their faith because they worship the Creator of the universe. Nonetheless, Afro Spirituality is about going directly to God without the rules and regulations associated with religion. Abraham is a prophet who is revered amongst Jews, Christians and Muslims. Surah 3:67 of the Quran highlights the fact that Abraham wasn't a Jew or Christian and he wasn't involved in idolatry. Abraham had a personal relationship with God and that's what Afro Spirituality is all about.