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The Zaghawa, a formidable tribal confederation, rose from the ashes of their predecessors in the vast Sahara Desert. Known as courageous warriors, they inherited an imperial legacy from their ancestors. For centuries, the Zaghawa have proudly preserved their ancient culture. In modern times, they have adapted to an urbanized and semi-nomadic lifestyle, thriving on the expansive grasslands of the Sahel. This semi-nomadic way of life is distinct, involving migration over long distances to find optimal seasonal pastures for their herds.
Following the death of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh), Islam rapidly became the predominant religion along the Mediterranean coast, eventually spreading to North Africa and taking root in countries like Egypt, Algeria, and Morocco. During this period, the Zaghawa embraced Islam. Long before the advent of Islam in North Africa, the Zaghawa were trans-Saharan caravan traders, engaging in commerce with Libyans and Egyptians. Camels, resilient animals well-suited to desert conditions, were essential to these traders for transporting goods across the desert to North Africa.
Adopting Islam brought several advantages, such as exemption from certain taxes (jizya), as well as protection and enhanced trading opportunities.