Here's a breakdown:
* Early Trade: Arabic language spread primarily through trade routes between the Arabian Peninsula and the African continent. Arab traders and merchants established trading posts in North Africa and East Africa, bringing their language and culture with them.
* Conquests: The spread of Islam, particularly through the Umayyad and Abbasid caliphates, played a significant role. Arabic became the language of administration and religious scholarship in conquered territories, including parts of North Africa and the Horn of Africa.
* Cultural Influence: Arabic was adopted by many African societies for its association with religion, education, and trade. It became the language of scholarship, literature, and diplomacy in many regions.
* Indigenous Languages: Arabic did not fully replace indigenous languages. Instead, it interacted with and influenced them, leading to the development of various Arabic dialects and the emergence of languages like Swahili, which incorporates Arabic vocabulary.
It's crucial to avoid oversimplifying this complex historical process by attributing it to a single individual. The spread of Arabic was a collective effort shaped by trade, conquest, and cultural exchange.