A historical caliphate is a form of Islamic government led by a caliph, who is considered a political and religious successor to the Prophet Muhammad. The caliphate aims to unify the Muslim community under Islamic law, known as Sharia. The first caliphate, the Rashidun Caliphate, was established after Muhammad's death in 632 CE and lasted until 661 CE, expanding rapidly across the Arabian Peninsula and beyond. Subsequent caliphates, such as the Umayyad and Abbasid caliphates, further extended Islamic rule and culture. The Umayyad Caliphate (661-750 CE) spread Islam into parts of Europe, North Africa, and Central Asia, while the Abbasid Caliphate (750