* Religious tolerance: The Islamic empire was generally tolerant of other religions, as long as non-Muslims paid a special tax.
* Science and learning: The Islamic empire was a major center of science and learning during the Middle Ages. Muslim scholars made significant contributions to fields such as mathematics, astronomy, medicine, and philosophy.
* Art and architecture: Islamic art and architecture is known for its intricate designs and use of calligraphy. Some of the most famous examples of Islamic art and architecture include the Taj Mahal, the Alhambra, and the Great Mosque of Damascus.
* Expansion: The Islamic empire expanded rapidly during the 7th and 8th centuries, eventually stretching from Spain to India. Muslim armies conquered vast territories in North Africa, the Middle East, Central Asia, and South Asia.
Catholic Church
* Religious intolerance: The Catholic Church was often intolerant of other religions, and it sometimes used force to convert people to Catholicism.
* Power and influence: The Catholic Church was a powerful institution in Europe during the Middle Ages. The Pope was considered to be the spiritual leader of Christendom, and he had a great deal of political influence.
* Wealth and landholdings: The Catholic Church was one of the largest landowners in Europe. It also collected tithes from its members, which gave it a significant source of income.
* Papal supremacy: The Catholic Church believed that the Pope had supreme authority over all other bishops and priests. This belief led to a number of conflicts between the Catholic Church and secular rulers.