The Umayyad Caliphate is commonly associated with the spread of Islam throughout vast territories in the 7th and 8th centuries. Following the death of the Prophet Muhammad, the Umayyads expanded their empire rapidly, pushing through North Africa and into the Iberian Peninsula and Central Asia. Their reign facilitated the spread of Islamic culture, language, and governance, establishing Arabic as a lingua franca across diverse regions. The Umayyad Caliphate, marked by significant cultural and architectural achievements, such as the construction of the Dome of the Rock, played a crucial role in shaping the Islamic world and influencing subsequent Islamic empires.