Question

Which statement accurately describes the role of key individuals in the rise and spread of Islam?

A) Muhammad was the leader and founder of Islam in its origin, and the
four caliphs ruled as separate leaders after the Sunni split, which
expanded the Islamic Empire after Muhammed’s "Passed away".
B) Muhammad was the leader and founder of Islam in its origin, the
companions spread the religion, and the first four caliphs expanded the
Islamic Empire after Muhammad’s "passed away".
C) Muhammad was the leader and founder of Islam in its origin, and the
Ashab people and companions all ruled territories that secured religious
and social power expanding the Islamic Empire after Muhammad’s
"Passed away".
D) Allah was the leader and founder of Islam in its origin; the companions
spread the religion as the first four caliphs expanded the Islamic Empire
after Muhammad’s "Passed away".

Answer 1

The most accurate statement is that Muhammad was the founder of Islam, his companions disseminated the faith, and the first four caliphs led the expansion of the Islamic Empire after his demise. The correct option is B) Muhammad was the leader and founder of Islam in its origin, the companions spread the religion, and the first four caliphs expanded the Islamic Empire after Muhammad’s 'passed away'.

Step-by-step explanation:

After Muhammad's death in 632 CE, leadership passed to his close companions, known as the Sahabah, who were significant in maintaining the unity and expansion of the Islamic community or ummah. These included the first four caliphs—Abu Bakr, Umar, Uthman, and Ali—who are often referred to as the 'rightly-guided' or Rashidun caliphs. Their leadership led to major military conquests and the spread of Islam far beyond the Arabian Peninsula.

During the subsequent Umayyad Caliphate, with Damascus as its capital, the Islamic world saw further territorial expansion into North Africa, Spain, and the East. This period set the precedent for the later Abbasid Caliphate, which fostered a Golden Age of scientific, cultural, and intellectual development.