Islamic caliphates were political and religious states led by a caliph, who was considered a successor to the Prophet Muhammad. These caliphates emerged after Muhammad's death in 632 CE and played a significant role in the spread of Islam across the Middle East, North Africa, and parts of Europe and Asia. The first four caliphs, known as the Rightly Guided Caliphs, established the foundation for Islamic governance and law. Over time, several major caliphates arose, including the Umayyad and Abbasid caliphates. The Umayyad Caliphate expanded the Islamic empire significantly, while the Abbasid Caliphate is known for its cultural and scientific achievements during the Islamic Golden Age. These caliphates influenced various aspects of society, including politics, culture, and trade, shaping the history of the Islamic world.