* The Umayyads, a Muslim dynasty that ruled from 661 to 750 CE, rapidly expanded the reach of Islam through military conquests.
* Under their leadership, Muslim armies conquered vast territories stretching from the Iberian Peninsula in the west to the Indus Valley in the east.
* The Umayyads were particularly successful in their conquest of North Africa and the Iberian Peninsula, where they established powerful Muslim emirates that lasted for centuries.
Culture
* In addition to their military conquests, the Umayyads also played a crucial role in spreading Islam through cultural exchange and assimilation.
* They were great patrons of the arts, literature, and science, and they encouraged the development of Islamic culture and learning.
* The Umayyads also established many new cities, such as Damascus, which became important centers of Islamic culture and trade.
* They promoted the use of Arabic as the official language of the caliphate, which helped to unify the diverse populations under their rule and facilitated the spread of Islamic ideas and knowledge.
* The Umayyads also built numerous mosques and other religious structures, which served as centers of worship and learning for Muslims.
* Through these cultural initiatives, the Umayyads helped to create a shared sense of identity and purpose among Muslims, which contributed to the expansion and spread of Islam.
In summary, the Umayyads expanded the reach of Islam through both conquest and culture. Their military conquests brought large territories under Muslim rule, while their cultural initiatives helped to unify and spread Islamic ideas and practices throughout their vast empire.