In this article, we will discuss the spread of Islam throughout the continent of Africa, beginning with the early years of the religion and continuing through its expansion across different regions. Islam was first introduced to Africa around 613 AD, during the early years of its development in the Arabian Peninsula. Some of the earliest Muslims traveled to the Kingdom of Aksum, located in present-day Ethiopia and Eritrea, seeking refuge from religious persecution in Arabia. From this initial contact, Islam gradually spread throughout northern Africa, particularly following the Arab conquests of the seventh century. Over time, the religion expanded westward across the Sahara Desert and into West Africa through trans-Saharan trade networks, where Muslim merchants, scholars, and travelers helped introduce Islamic beliefs and practices to local communities. Several African kingdoms and empires, including the Ghana Empire, the Mali Empire, and the Songhai Empire, became important centers of Islamic learning, trade, and culture.