This comprehensive study of the impact of Islam in sub-Saharan Africa charts the historical background and archaeological evidence attesting to the spread of Islam across the Sudan, Ethiopia, Eastern Africa, Southern Africa and Nigeria. Surveying a timespan from the immediate pre-Islamic period through to the present, Timothy Insoll analyzes the processes (jihad, trade, missionary activity, prestige) by which Islam spread. This book is relevant to scholars, students and all readers interested in Africa, archaeology, religion and Islam.