Mansa Musa: The King Of The World’s Richest Countries

From the 14th century to the 16th century, the Songhai Empire stretched across the west African coast from modern-day Mauritania to what is now Liberia. At its height, the empire spanned over 3.2 million square miles and was the second largest empire in the world. The empire fell at the start of the 16th century after nearly 300 years of rule. However, it left a lasting legacy in terms of gold and other valuable material wealth.

One ruler that came out of this empire was Musa Harouna Yakubu (reigned 1493–1537). This emperor is revered by many as a devout ruler who always put his subjects’ interests above his own, and as a ruler who promoted world trade at a time when Europe was still mired in its Middle Ages. While much about this emperor is shrouded in mystery, there is no doubt about its significance as an empire builder and global citizen. But how much do you know about this king? Let’s find out more.

Historical sources

Mansa Musa is considered the founder of the Mali Empire. Considered the wealthiest man in history, Mansa Musa is known for his vast wealth. He was the leader of the Malian Mande empire, which spanned parts of West Africa and middle-eastern regions. His empire was built on gold-salt-slaves. Though he had great wealth, he also faced great challenges in his reign as emperor. Mansa Musa’s empire was threatened by a powerful rival empire known as the Kanem-Bornu empire. With its economic and military power, the Kanem-Bornu empire forced Mansa Musa to retreat to his fiefdom at Ngazia.

The mansa’s tomb has been found and is currently on display at the Louvre Museum in Paris, France. His empire prospered under his rule for about 50 years. The mansa’s great wealth was derived from control over gold-salt-slaves trade routes that stretched across west, east, and middle Africa. With such success, Mansa Musa is often considered a symbol of African success and prosperity.

Mansa Musa is known not only as a successful leader but also as a symbol of African success and prosperity.

Early reign

Mansa Musa, the ruler of the western Sudan and the son of a wealthy ruler, grew up in a lavish lifestyle.
He became ruler of the west after his father’s death in 1312 and began expanding the kingdom’s territory.
Under Mansa Musa’s leadership, Ghana, Mali, and Songhai were unified into one empire that spanned an area larger than France or Spain at its peak.

Mansa Musa is considered to be among the greatest world leaders of all time for his tireless efforts in uniting the west under a single empire.

During his 38-year reign, Mansa Musa built mansions and mosques across his empire. He is also known for founding the city of Mrica at the mouth of the Niger River.

After ruling for many years, Mansa Musa died in 1337 at age 74 after a long reign that saw him expand his kingdom to cover an area larger than France or Spain at its peak.

Pilgrimage to Mecca

The Hajj is one of the five pillars of Islam and every Muslim must perform it at least once in their lifetime. Every year, Muslims from around the globe converge on the city of Mecca, Saudi Arabia, for the pilgrimage known as the ‘Hajj’. The Hajj commemorates the journey of Prophet Ibrahim (i.e., Abraham) who was commanded by God to perform a pilgrimage to Mecca.

During the pilgrimage, which lasts for 10 days and involves circling the Ka’aba seven times, pilgrims are required to perform various rituals and prayers. They must also sacrifice a sheep or goat and eat its meat during the pilgrimage.

The Hajj is held in the month of Dhu al-Hijjah at the end of the Islamic calendar year. This is because it follows 40 days after Eid ul-Fitr, which marks the end of Ramadan. According to Islamic mythology, it was at this time that Prophet Ibrahim was commanded by God to perform a pilgrimage to Mecca.

Later reign

Mansa Musa II (ruled 1212-1255) is arguably the richest man in world history. During his reign, the Mali Empire reached its greatest extent, covering much of West Africa and creating one of the largest empires in history.

Mansa Musa’s reign is significant for many reasons. Firstly, he succeeded his father, Sonni Ali, as the ruler of the empire at a young age. This would prove to be a wise decision as it allowed him to rule with greater authority and efficiency.

Secondly, Mansa Musa quickly became one of the wealthiest men in the world. His wealth was so great that he was able to fund numerous ambitious projects, including a series of large expeditions to search for new trade routes and sources of gold. This made him an important figure in international trade and diplomacy.
However, Mansa Musa’s reign ended in stunning fashion at the Battle of Tondibi near Sétif. This marked the downfall of one of the largest empires in history and ushered in an era of waning African empires. Mansa Musa died in captivity two years later at the age of sixty-three after leading an extraordinary life at the forefront of world history.

Conclusion

Mansa Musa is considered the richest ruler of the medieval world due to the vast wealth he accumulated during his reign. As the ruler of the richest empire at that time, Mansa Musa was also revered as a pious ruler. According to legend, Mansa Musa renounced all his wealth in order to be able to concentrate on worshipping God. He is said to have given away all his gold and property as alms. Out of humility, he is also said to have visited the homes of the poor, where he collected food for them. In 1415, Mansa Musa made a pilgrimage to Mecca and visited the Kaaba in order to worship at its sacred mosque. He is also said to have donated much gold and property for the upkeep of the mosque and its roads. After this, he is said to have embarked on an extensive pilgrimage throughout West Africa and North Africa. During this trip, it is said that he visited more than 70 famous cities along with their mosques and madrasas (Islamic schools).

Visit: Homepage