Final answer:
African slaves brought to the New World mainly adopted the religious practices of the Christians, although Islam also had significant historical influence and presence in Africa. The religious practices were often Africanized, blending indigenous traditions with Christianity and Islam.
Step-by-step explanation:
African slaves who were brought to the New World predominantly adopted the religious practices of the Christians. While historian Sylviane A. Diouf estimates there were at least 100,000 African Muslims among those enslaved, including scholars and traders, they faced significant obstacles in maintaining their religious practices. Enslaved African Muslims were known to use their literacy in Arabic to preserve their faith, sometimes even writing verses of the Quran to ensure they did not forget. However, the primary push in the Americas was towards Christianity due to the motives of the European colonists who perceived an opportunity to expose African slaves to Christianity for conversion. Ironically, this conversion was often minimal or superficial because earnest missionary work would interfere with the productivity and profits of slave labor.
Despite the adoption of Christianity, African slaves also influenced these new faiths with their indigenous practices, leading to a distinctive Africanization of Christianity and Islam. Religious practices in Africa before enslavement were diverse, including Islam, Christianity, and a variety of polytheistic religions. The subsequent blending of beliefs and traditions brought about unique forms of these religions that included ancestral practices and spirituality.
Additionally, the spread of Islam in Africa continued through merchants, traders, scholars, and missionaries even after the military conquests ended. People of sub-Saharan Africa adopted Islam, often mingling it with their local beliefs and customs.