Question

Analyze and evaluate the impact that foreign trade had on religious culture of Sahel kingdoms.

a) It had no impact on religious culture.
b) It led to the decline of religious practices.
c) It contributed to the spread and enrichment of religious traditions.
d) It resulted in the isolation of religious beliefs.

Describe the role of Mansu Musa in establishing religious centers within the Mali Kingdom.
a) He was not involved in the establishment of religious centers.
b) He funded the construction of numerous religious centers.
c) He discouraged the development of religious institutions.
d) He focused on military expansion rather than religious matters.

Answer 1

Foreign trade had a significant impact on the religious culture of the Sahel kingdoms, contributing to the spread and enrichment of religious traditions. Mansa Musa funded the construction of numerous religious centers within the Mali Kingdom, which became hubs of Islamic scholarship.

Step-by-step explanation:

Foreign trade had a significant impact on the religious culture of the Sahel kingdoms in West Africa. This impact can be described as option c) it contributed to the spread and enrichment of religious traditions. Through trade routes, particularly the trans-Saharan trade, Islamic ideas and practices were diffused throughout the region. As a result, many ruling elites, including the Malian elite, adopted Islam and integrated it with their traditional beliefs. This led to the establishment of religious centers, such as the Djinguereber Mosque in Timbuktu, and the enrichment of religious traditions within the Sahel kingdoms.

Mansa Musa, the famous ruler of Mali, played a crucial role in establishing religious centers within the Mali Kingdom. The correct option is b) he funded the construction of numerous religious centers. Mansa Musa's pilgrimage to Mecca in 1324-1325 brought back Muslim scholars, architects, and books. He used his wealth to finance the construction of mosques, schools, and universities, particularly in Timbuktu. These religious centers became significant hubs of Islamic scholarship and contributed to the Islamic character of Mali.