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Prophecy and Revitalization in the Islamic World and Africa Development in the Islamic heartland spawned resentment in the distant reaches of the Islamic world. It also stimulated reaction in non-Islamic Africa. Alarmed that Christian European influence was encroaching upon their societies, religious leaders arose to call for revitalization of traditional culture.
Revitalization rejected westernization, proposing instead theocratic polities to implement Allah’s will, fight unbelievers, and purify Islamic culture. The Wahhabi Movement targeted the secularizing Ottoman state by demanding a return to "pure" Islam and attacking any who would not follow. Not persuaded, the Egyptians helped suppress the disturbances. In West Africa, the Fulani produced similar responses, particularly that of Usman dan Fodio’s movement, which challenged the Hausa rulers and spread Islam throughout northern Nigeria.
Charismatic Military Men and Prophets in Non-Islamic Africa Non-Islamic Africa also saw new political movements although they were not based on religion so much as "big men" traditions. Employing fear, violence, and discipline, Shaka’s centralized Zulu state was so successful against enemies that other states were forced to centralize their power. With time, central and southern Africa came to host large polities that reshaped the political landscape. >> Continue to the next part of the Summary: Prophecy and Rebellion in China
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