untainted by idolatry.”

It is clear from the foregoing that those calling to Islam sometimes entered the continent through a sound approach based on negotiation, inviting people to Islam through their character and conduct. At other times, they were compelled to use the sword and force, as we have seen in North Africa. In either case, we may call this the first stage of Islamic activity in Africa—the stage of Islam’s entry at intermittent intervals, as we have seen.