We must bear in mind that it was a medieval civilization of the Central Sudan, meaning it could only be compared to civilizations that materialized in Europe before the Industrial Revolution.

The social organization here differed materially from the social organization in any society of slaves or serfs. In the Islamic Sudanese empires, the ruler was the Commander of the Faithful, and imperial authority was closely linked to magic. It was not only pagan states that considered their ruler a sacred being, but famous Islamic empires shared this belief. It is certain that in ancient times the ruler was a principal priest, but priestly authority gradually passed to others.

Since the emperor was the source of all authority, the court was the most important institution in these states. Ibn Battuta and other travelers provide us with eyewitness accounts of the court of the Mali Empire and the elaborate ceremonies of imperial gatherings. After Mansa Musa's return from Egypt, following his performance of the pilgrimage, he introduced Islamic customs to the court, customs that persisted after him, and his successors added much to them.

Prostitution was greatly encouraged by the right the rulers had to take the daughters of soldiers as wives. This was because the soldiers were slaves of the emperor, so he had a right over their daughters. Since slavery was the basis of Sudanese society, prostitution was rampant. The ruling classes had many concubines. It was customary for sultans and great nobles and dignitaries to present gifts. The Tarikh al-Fattash states that none of the rulers of the Askia dynasty, except for the founder of the dynasty, Askia al-Hajj Muhammad the Great, had a mother who was free. Although the harem was common, the eunuchs were not numerous.