How did islam affect the development of african civilization

To begin we need to explain when Islam made it's way to Africa. Islam spread to Africa around the mid seventh century.  It spread because the prophet Muhammad of Islam journeyed through at some point. The exact influence Islam had on Africa is hard to say. Though in cities such as Gao and Ghana there were mosques built because of Muslim merchants. Islam also introduced Africa to writing. The main effect Islam seemed to have in Africa would be bringing more knowledge and arts.