GCEIslamic Religious StudiesIslam in West Africa2020

Which of the following statements most accurately describes the nature of Islam in West Africa during the 15th and 16th centuries under the Songhai Empire?

AIslam was the exclusive religion of the entire population, with traditional religion completely abolished
BIslam was primarily confined to the ruling elite and trading communities, while the majority of the rural population retained traditional beliefsCORRECT
CIslam was banned by Songhai rulers who favoured traditional African religion
DIslam spread uniformly throughout the empire through a state-sponsored missionary programme
AI
Toaster Teacher
Why the answer is B, and why the others tempt you.
During the Songhai Empire, Islam was largely the religion of the urban elite, scholars, and merchant classes in cities like Timbuktu and Gao, while the vast majority of the rural and agricultural population continued to practise traditional African religions. Even rulers like Sunni Ali, though nominally Muslim, were criticised by Islamic scholars for their attachment to traditional practices, illustrating the uneven penetration of Islam in the empire.
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