The Dyula (Dioula or Juula) are a Mande ethnic group inhabiting several West African countries, including the Mali, Cote d'Ivoire, Ghana, Burkina Faso, and Guinea-Bissau.

Characterized as a highly successful merchant caste, Dyula migrants begin establishing trading communities across the region in the fourteenth century.

Since business is often conducted under non-Muslim rulers, the Dyula develop a set of theological principles for Muslim minorities in non-Muslim societies.

Their unique contributions of long-distance commerce, Islamic scholarship and religious tolerance are significant factors to the peaceful expansion of Islam in West Africa.