The Concept of Jihad in the Almoravid Conquest of Ghana in 469 AH

Abstract

The Almoravid jihad in Ghana marked the beginning of their state’s establishment. They started from a ribat (religious fortress) near the Senegal River in the Sahara Desert during the 5th century AH, under the leadership of Abdullah ibn Yasin, aiming to spread Islam and purify Muslims’ beliefs in the region. Their jihad succeeded in the far Maghreb against Sijilmasa, Barghawata, and Aoudaghost, and extended southward into the desert toward Ghana and Koumbi Saleh (the capital of Ghana, in 469 AH), leading to the fall of Ghana into Almoravid hands and the establishment of Islamic rule there.

Ghana already had a considerable Muslim population, but traditional African beliefs were still present. The Almoravids aimed to spread Islam and unify its teachings in the region. Ghana was also very rich in gold, which the Almoravids saw as both a motivation for jihad and a means to benefit from its wealth and improve the economic and social conditions of Muslims. They waged jihad against the pagan Ghana Empire according to Islamic principles, which called for one of three options: conversion to Islam, payment of jizya (tax), or war—thus legitimizing their jihad in Ghana.