Final answer:
The correct option is A). Indian Ocean trade impacted religious beliefs in Africa by leading to the spread of Islam and promoting syncretism, the blending of traditional beliefs with Islamic practices.
Step-by-step explanation:
The impact of Indian Ocean trade on religious beliefs in Africa can be analyzed by considering the spread of Islam, the reinforcement of traditional African religions, the promotion of syncretism, and the absence of impact on religious beliefs. With the extensive trade networks in the Indian Ocean, the spread of Islam was facilitated through contact with Muslim merchants, traders, scholars, and missionaries. This resulted in the conversion of some African societies to Islam, particularly in West Africa and along the Swahili coast.
However, it is important to note that ancient African belief systems were not eradicated. Traditional African religions continued to be practiced in many rural communities, and in some regions, syncretism occurred where traditional beliefs were blended with Islamic practices. For example, the Africanization of Islam in the Swahili coast resulted in a unique form of the faith that incorporated ancestor worship and traditional offerings in mosques.
Therefore, the best statement that analyzes the impact of Indian Ocean trade on religious beliefs in Africa is A) It led to the spread of Islam and D) It promoted syncretism.