The Spread of Islam and the Slave Trade

The Spread of Islam and the Slave Trade

“Segu is a garden where cunning grows. Segu is built on treachery. Speak of Segu outside Segu, but do not speak of Segu in Segu” (Conde 3). These are the symbolic opening words to the novel Segu by Maryse Conde. The kingdom of Segu in the eighteenth and nineteenth century represents the rise and fall of many kingdoms in the pre-colonial Africa. Therefore, Segu indirectly represents the enduring struggles, triumphs, and defeats of people who are of African decent in numerous countries around the world. There are three major historical concepts that are the focus of this book. One is the spread of the Islamic religion. Another is the slave trade, and the last is the new trade in the nineteenth century and the coming of new ideas from Europe (legitimate commerce). However, Segu does not simply explain these circumstances externally, but rather with a re-enactment that tells a story of the state of affairs on a personal level, along with the political one. By doing this, the book actually unfolds many deceitful explanations for the decline of West African countries in the eighteenth and nineteenth century.

The spread of Islam took place all around Segu before actually getting to it. This period becomes one of constant debate between Muslims, Christians, and other people wanting to keep their already established sacred religions. The Islam religion is very different than that of the one previously practiced in Segu. If the people in Segu were forced to change their religion, they would be forced to change all of their customs and beliefs. However, if they did not follow, they could possibly lose their lives. It was truly a lose-lose situation for many people. A leader of the Islamic religion during that time was Usman dan Fodio. He was successful in getting rid of the corruptness of the Islamic religion and instituting a purified religion and political system. Another Islamic leader was Tiekoro. He relinquished his people’s religion and embraced the Islamic one. For that reason, he tore apart Segu and many families as well. He was one of the main causes for the tension about religion conversion and actually challenged the original religion. On the other hand, Tiekoro has a brother named Siga. He is polar opposite and will not give up his original religion that he has been brought up with. He defends his primar...

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... The Portuguese changed her name to Romana, and she later went back to Africa (Nigeria) and acts as though she is a European. She then becomes very involved in legitimate commerce and that whole movement. It is ironic that she changed so dramatically and it could have perhaps stemmed from fear of what she thought may happen to her.

Naba and Ayodele’s stories were similar to many other people. It truly shows the wretchedness of slavery and the negative effects that it has. Unfortunately, the abolition of slavery does not happen for a long time and this sort of mistreatment of human beings continues for years to come.

Underneath the tale of Segu is the hushed and disloyal question few people tend to voice: how did they lose the rights to use the land and resources of an entire continent? This novel explains that it was not just Europe’s greed and Christianity pretense that led to the fall of Africa. It shows that Islam was a major force that endangered Segu as well. However, aside from the tragedy’s that were outlined, there lies a captivating story about culture, spirituality, and diversity.

Works Cited

Conde, Maryse. Segu. United States of America: Penguin Books, 1996.