The statement that most accurately describes the role of key individuals in the rise and spread of Islam is:
Muhammad was the leader and founder of Islam in its origin, the companions spread the religion, and the first four caliphs expanded the Islamic Empire after Muhammad’s death.
This response highlights Muhammad's foundational role, the contribution of his companions in spreading Islam, and the significant expansion of the Islamic Empire under the leadership of the first four caliphs (Abu Bakr, Umar, Uthman, and Ali) after Muhammad's death.