College of Arts

Master’s Thesis: “The Spread of Islam in Africa from the Perspective of Orientalist Thomas Arnold”

The Department of History at the College of Arts recently held a master’s thesis defense on the topic of “The Spread of Islam in Africa from the Perspective of Orientalist Thomas Arnold.” The defense took place on Wednesday, August 6, 2025. The event was attended by the Dean of the College, Professor Dr. Hatem Fahd Al-Tai, the Head of the Department, Dr. Mahmoud Saleh, and several faculty members.

The thesis, submitted by student Zahraa Khalaf Hussein from the Department of History, examines the dissemination of Islam throughout Africa through the lens of Orientalist Thomas Arnold. The study primarily focuses on Arnold’s analysis of the peaceful methods of its spread, such as trade and proselytization. It also highlights the differences between the Orientalist perspective and the internal Islamic view regarding the religion’s expansion on the continent.

The primary objective of the study was to comprehensively investigate the methods and means of Islam’s spread in Africa, as articulated through the works of Orientalist Thomas Arnold.

Examination Committee:

• Professor Dr. Nasser Abdul Razzaq Abdul Rahman – College of Arts, University of Mosul (Chairman)
• Professor Dr. Mus’ab Hammadi Najm – College of Arts, University of Mosul (Member)
• Lecturer Dr. Nuha Ahmed Muhammad – College of Arts, University of Mosul (Member)
• Professor Dr. Bashar Akram Jamil – College of Arts, University of Mosul (Member and Supervisor)