Concept:The earliest ruler of the Mali Empire to embrace Islam is the historical figure referred to in standard accounts of West African Muslim kings.Explanation:Barmandana is recognised as the first King of the Mali Empire to accept Islam.He is also known as the first Muslim ruler in West Africa to perform the pilgrimage to Mecca.Sundiata is credited with founding the Mali Empire but not as the first Muslim king.Mansa Musa and Mansa Sulayman were later rulers, famous for their reigns after Islam had already been accepted.Answer:B. Barmandana