Which statement best analyzes the impact of Indian Ocean trade on religious beliefs in Africa?(1 point)

Question

Responses

Indian merchants formed settlements in North Africa, spreading Hindu customs.
Indian merchants formed settlements in North Africa, spreading Hindu customs.

Arab merchants settling on the Swahili coast influenced cultural diffusion, leading to larger Muslim populations in eastern Africa.
Arab merchants settling on the Swahili coast influenced cultural diffusion, leading to larger Muslim populations in eastern Africa.

Buddhism became the major religion of East Africa after merchants from southeast Asia settled there to be a part of Indian Ocean trade.
Buddhism became the major religion of East Africa after merchants from southeast Asia settled there to be a part of Indian Ocean trade.

Inspired by the voyages of Zheng He, Chinese merchants settled in Africa and spread Confucianism, leading to large pockets of Confucian populations there.

Answer 1

The statement that best analyzes the impact of Indian Ocean trade on religious beliefs in Africa is:

"Arab merchants settling on the Swahili coast influenced cultural diffusion, leading to larger Muslim populations in eastern Africa."

This statement correctly highlights the significant role of Arab merchants in spreading Islam along the Swahili coast as a result of trade, which had lasting effects on the religious landscape of eastern Africa.