Final answer:
The rise of Muslim sultanates was influenced by the decline of powerful empires, military capabilities of key groups, and opportunities for expansion amid political fragmentation. Notable examples include the Mamluk and Seljuk Sultanates, which expanded Muslim influence through military successes and scholarly contributions.
Step-by-step explanation:
The major factors for the rise and development of Muslim sultanates were multi-faceted, involving declines in previous powers, military prowess, and religious zeal. Sultanates like the Mamluk and the Seljuk emerged from the weakening of the Byzantine and Sasanian empires post their ruinous wars, the military strength of formerly enslaved soldiers or Turkic peoples, and succession failures leading to decentralized power. A critical example of this pattern is the establishment of the Mamluk dynasty by the mercenaries in the power struggles post-Salah al-Din. Also, as the Il-Khanate declined, the Mamluk Sultanate grew in influence, becoming a center of Muslim scholarship. Their military success, most notably at the Battle of Ain Jalut, helped to fortify their position.
Additionally, the timing of the rise of Islam coincided with the weakening of the Roman and Persian Empires, creating an opportunity for expansion. The robustness of Arab-Muslims as a fighting force and the decline of centralized power in regions of North Africa contributed to the development of these sultanates. Furthermore, Islam expanded into new territories through trade networks, conquest, and the collapse of the Abbasid Caliphate, underpinning the rise of new empires like the Ottomans and Safavids.