Communities of Western Sudan between Pagan Residues and Islamic Influences: from the Fifth to the Ninth Hijri Centuries

Abstract

Western Sudan is a geographical area where pagan culture interacted with Islamic influences. These lands had significant relations with Muslims, especially with the Muslim Maghreb countries, which politically, economically, and socially affected Western Sudan. Tribal and familial structures constitute the basis of society in Western Sudan, through which Islamic influences were conveyed to power and the state as a whole. They served as the primary conduit for receiving these influences, leading to the alteration of most customs, traditions in attire, mentalities, behaviors, and other aspects of civilization. This change encompassed components of these families, starting from women, then children, and the rest of the family members, as well as other political, social, and cultural structures. It is noteworthy that this change, in its essence, has produced a Sudanese Muslim society blending African and Arab cultures, demonstrating advanced civilizational aspects.