Islamic States refer to political entities that are governed by Islamic law, or Sharia, and often seek to implement Islamic principles in their legal and social systems. These states can vary in their interpretation and application of Islamic teachings, leading to different forms of governance and societal norms. Historically, the term has been associated with various caliphates, such as the Umayyad and Abbasid caliphates, which were significant in spreading Islam and its culture. In modern times, groups like ISIS have claimed to establish Islamic States, but their methods and ideologies are widely rejected by mainstream Muslim communities.