what is an example of the blending of traditional African religions and Islam in early African societies?

the building of universities in the Mali and Songhay empires
King Mana Musa's pilgrimage to Mecca
the building of mosques in the Mali and Songhay Empires
the use of amulets by Muslim converts

the use of amulets by Muslim converts

An example of the blending of traditional African religions and Islam in early African societies is the use of amulets by Muslim converts. In many African societies, amulets were a common practice in traditional religions as a means of protection or attracting good luck. When African individuals converted to Islam, they often continued to wear or use amulets, integrating this traditional belief into their new faith. This illustrates the syncretism or blending of traditional African religious practices with Islamic beliefs.

An example of the blending of traditional African religions and Islam in early African societies is the use of amulets by Muslim converts.

To arrive at this answer, we can eliminate the other options to narrow down the choices.

The building of universities in the Mali and Songhay empires was not directly related to the blending of traditional African religions and Islam, so we can eliminate this option.

King Mansa Musa's pilgrimage to Mecca, while significant, was more of a demonstration of wealth and power, rather than a direct example of blending religions. Therefore, we can eliminate this option as well.

The building of mosques in the Mali and Songhay Empires shows the spread of Islam, but it doesn't necessarily indicate blending with traditional African religions. Hence, we can eliminate this option too.

This leaves us with the use of amulets by Muslim converts. Amulets are objects believed to have magical powers and are often associated with traditional African religions. The use of amulets by Muslim converts suggests a blending of beliefs and practices from traditional African religions with Islamic faith.

Therefore, the correct answer is the use of amulets by Muslim converts, as it best exemplifies the blending of traditional African religions and Islam in early African societies.