Final answer:
The most influential religion in the Songhai Empire was Islam, which was used by rulers like Askia the Great to legitimize and consolidate their power despite many subjects retaining traditional beliefs.
Step-by-step explanation:
The most influential religion in the Songhai Empire was Islam. Islam was not just a personal faith but a constituent part of the political and social strategy for rulers such as Askia the Great. The most influential religion in the Songhai Empire was Islam, which was used by rulers like Askia the Great to legitimize and consolidate their power despite many subjects retaining traditional beliefs.
The strategic use of Islam helped Askia to consolidate control, especially because he was not ethnically Songhai and relied on Islam rather than traditional institutions and rituals to legitimate his rule. His pilgrimage to Mecca and generous contributions to charity reflected his commitment to the faith. However, it's notable that most of his subjects retained their traditional religious beliefs, pointing to a form of Africanized Islam, which blended pre-existing African religious practices with Islam.