How was the influence of Islam different in Ghana than it Mali?

* Islam was introduced to Ghana by Arab traders in the 8th century.

* The king of Ghana converted to Islam in 1076, and Islam became the religion of the ruling class.

* However, the majority of the population remained animist.

* Islamic law was not adopted in Ghana, and the traditional laws of the land continued to be followed.

* Islam did have a significant impact on Ghanaian culture, however. For example, the Arabic alphabet was adopted for writing the Ghanaian language, and Islamic architecture was introduced.

Mali

* Islam was introduced to Mali by traders from Ghana in the 11th century.

* The king of Mali converted to Islam in 1255, and Islam quickly became the religion of the majority of the population.

* Islamic law was adopted in Mali, and the country became a center of Islamic learning.

* The University of Sankore in Timbuktu was one of the most important centers of learning in the Islamic world.

* Islam had a profound impact on Malian culture and society. For example, the traditional animist beliefs of the people were largely replaced by Islam, and Islamic practices and customs were adopted throughout the country.