Page 65 - Msingi Afrika Magazine Issue 2

ISSUE TWO | SEPT/OCT

Malian Empire tripled in size and grew to cover what education and religion.
are now nine West African nations. He had an army
of 100,000, which included an armored cavalry corp So great was the impact of his journey that word
and a highly skilled general that were instrumental in spread of him and his kingdom to Europe. Spanish
the growth and maintenance of the empire. So vast cartographer, Abraham Cresques, even included a
was his empire that he divided it into provinces which drawing of Mansa Musa in the 1375 Catalan Atlas. In
were ruled by governors who he personally chose. this drawing he is depicted seated on a gold throne,
He increased this wealth by trading in gold and adorned in a gold crown, with a gold scepter and
salt, which were in high demand. He also exacted holding a gold nugget in his hand.
taxes on trade and by imposing a tribute on those he
conquered. As a result, Mansa Musa’s wealth grew Mansa Musa died at the age of only 57 leaving
and grew. 12 years into his reign, a part of his vast his empire to his sons, who were unable to keep it
material wealth was revealed to the world when he together. Gradually infighting, civil wars and attacks
went on the famous economy disrupting pilgrimage. by the Touareg led to its weakening and eventually
Mansa Musa had tens of thousands people in tow, his the smaller states seceded and the empire collapsed.
entire court was with him, about a hundred camels
carrying gold and textiles and food. It was the most Parting thoughts
opulent display of wealth the world had seen. At the end of the day, how much can you take with
you when you die? If you like, build a tomb and force
Along the way, he took the time to also extend his your wives and servants to die alongside you... you
empire, making inroads into the Songhai Kingdom still have only what you came into this world with.
by acquiring the territory of Gao, one of the places And you alone have to answer for what you did with
where he would later build mosques and institutions Jesus.
of learning.

Mansa Musa returned from his pilgrimage with
architects, books and scholars in tow to build
mosques and universities throughout his domain.
Many of the structures he commissioned or built are
still standing to this day. The most famous mosque
he built is the Djinguereber Mosque. This is how he
spent the vast majority of his wealth. He eventually
relocated his court to Timbuktu after he had taken
it over and transformed it into an internationally
recognized fortified city, making it famous for trade,
BE INSPIRED

The story of Mansa Musa 1 is one that gives a clear clue of what the true Afrika really is as it
relates to her massive human and natural wealth. However, it is not featured as part of our story
so that Afrikans can learn how to be wealth or money crazy. Not at all. As an Afrikan reading
this, you have been made to look weak, unreliable, primitive, dull, unintelligent by those who
think your forefathers lived on trees. But that was a lie and will never be true. For you, as an
Afrikan, came from a long lineage of kings, warriors, emperors, army generals, wealthy tillers
of the earth and its resources, those who the kings of other nations outside Afrika bowed to in
honour and fear. And because the Afrikan blood is rich and bold, it means you are also a king,
emperor, wealthy and not some aid-begging, roadside thug and compromising individual.
The story of Mansa Musa 1 shows the strength of an Afrikan who led an empire that conquered
many lands, built institutes of worship and learning, a true Afrikan indeed. But let me tell you what
this means. The entire story of Mansa Musa 1 is just a shadow compared to that of the coming
King, Who, as a stone rejected by men in the days of His flesh, will cut out a stone without hands,
set it up on the earth as a mountain and will bring to an end the kingdoms of this world. I speak
of Christ, the King. For of the increase of His government and peace there will be no end, for
upon the throne of David His father shall He sit and over His kingdom, shall He reign, to order
it and establish it with judgment and justice, from this time forward, even forever. Be ready!

For counsel and wisdom to live in this age of the end of time, please use the contacts below.
counsel@msingiafrikamagazine.com

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