The Arab conquests refer to a series of military campaigns initiated by the Rashidun Caliphate in the 7th century. These campaigns expanded the Islamic empire rapidly across the Middle East, North Africa, and parts of Europe. The conquests began after the death of the Prophet Muhammad in 632 CE and were driven by a combination of religious zeal and the desire for political power. The conquests led to the establishment of vast territories under Islamic rule, including regions such as Syria, Egypt, and the Iberian Peninsula. The spread of Islam during this period significantly influenced the culture, language, and governance of the conquered areas, laying the foundation for future Islamic civilizations.