What were the Arab conquests following Muhammad's death characterized by?

The Arab conquests following Muhammad's death were characterized by the expansion of an empire from North Africa to Europe. This period, often referred to as the Islamic conquests or the early Islamic expansion, began in the 7th century and saw rapid territorial growth of the Islamic state. Following Muhammad's death in 632 CE, Muslim armies undertook campaigns that quickly extended their control over vast regions, including the Persian Empire, parts of the Byzantine Empire, and large areas of North Africa, reaching as far as the Iberian Peninsula in Europe.

This expansion was not merely military; it also facilitated the spread of Islamic culture, language, and religion across diverse populations. The conquests were marked by a combination of military prowess, strategic alliances, and, in many cases, the appeal of the Islamic faith, which attracted converts among the populations they encountered.

In contrast, the other options do not accurately represent the primary characteristics of this period. While trade played an important role in Islamic society, the focus here is specifically on military conquests. The early Islamic state was not characterized by democratic governance; rather, it was a caliphate with a leader who wielded considerable power. Additionally, the primary religion being spread was Islam, not Christianity.