The advent of Islam into Kanem happened in about 1090 AD during the reign of Mai Ummi Jilmi. He made Kanem become an influential Muslim state.
Thus, Dunama I and Dunama II respectively were devout Muslims. The former made about three pilgrimages to Mecca while the later built a hostel in Cairo for Kanem pilgrims.
However, most of the Mais were Muslims and they made positive contributions to the growth of Islam in the second Kanuri empire.