Guiding Questions:
- How did the adoption of Islam shape Mali’s governance, legal system, and social structure?
- What role did Islam play in fostering diplomatic relations between Mali and other Islamic states?
- How did Mansa Musa’s pilgrimage to Mecca solidify Mali’s place in the Islamic world and enhance its reputation?
- Compare and contrast the role of Islam in Mali with its role in the Abbasid Caliphate or other Islamic empires.
- What are the lasting legacies of Islam’s influence on Mali and its interactions with the wider world?
- How did Islam interact with traditional African beliefs in Malian society?
Visual Representation Prompts:
- Create a visual representation of the Five Pillars of Islam and their significance in Malian society.
- Design a map showcasing the spread of Islam across Africa and its connection to Mali.
- Develop a timeline or infographic illustrating key events and figures related to the role of Islam in Mali, including Mansa Musa’s pilgrimage.
- Illustrate the architectural influences of Islam on Mali.
- Depict the syncretism between Islam and traditional African beliefs in Malian society.
Engagement Tips:
- Create a 5-question quiz on Mansa Musa’s pilgrimage or the Five Pillars of Islam.
- Share one excerpt from Ibn Battuta’s travels, and have classmates respond with a takeaway.
- Write a brief journal entry (5 sentences) from a citizen during Mansa Musa’s reign.
- Include a short chart comparing Islamic governance in Mali to another Islamic empire (like Abbasids).
- Show an image of the Djinguereber Mosque with a 1-2 sentence description of its significance.
- Create a quick poll to ask classmates about the influence of Islam in daily Malian life.
