As a result of their strong trading contacts with Swahili - Arabs , many Yao adopted Islam and the two groups often intermarried .
Even before their conversion to Islam , many Yao chiefs used Swahili Muslims as scribes and advisers .
As a result of Muslims ' strong trading contacts with Swahili - Arabs , Yao Yao adopted Islam and the two groups often intermarried .
Even before their conversion to Islam , many Yao chiefs used Swahili Muslims as scribes and advisers .