What was one major result of the leadership of the Four Rightly Guided Caliphs?

The leadership of the Four Rightly Guided Caliphs, who ruled shortly after the death of the Prophet Muhammad, is primarily characterized by a significant expansion of Islamic influence. During their reigns, from 632 to 661 CE, these caliphs—Abu Bakr, Umar, Uthman, and Ali—oversaw rapid territorial conquests. The Islamic state expanded through Syria, Palestine, Egypt, and parts of Persia, significantly growing the reach of Islam and bringing diverse populations under Islamic governance.

This period is often marked by military campaigns and a strong emphasis on spreading the teachings of Islam, which led to the establishment of Islamic authority in new regions. The unification of the Arabian Peninsula under these caliphs set the stage for further expansions, helping to solidify a common Islamic identity among newly converted peoples.

The other choices reflect outcomes that were less direct results of their leadership. While there were emerging sects in Islam following the time of the caliphs, the major influence during their governance was more about unity and expansion rather than division. Additionally, the idea of modern nation-states did not take form until much later in history, long after the time of the Four Rightly Guided Caliphs, and the leadership during