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

Question

A. Arab merchants settling on the Swahili cost influenced cultural diffusion, leading to larger Muslim populations in eastern Africa
B. Indian merchants formed settlements in North Africa, spreading Hindu customs.
C. Buddhism became the major religion of East Africa after merchants from southwest Asia settled there to be a part of Indian Ocean trade.
D. Inspired by the voyages of Zheng He, Chinese merchants settled in Africa and spread Confucianism, leading to larger pockets of Confucian populations there.

Answer 1

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

This statement accurately reflects the historical context of Indian Ocean trade and its impact on religious beliefs, particularly the spread of Islam through trade networks and the interaction of Arab merchants with local populations in eastern Africa.