Islamic expansion demonstrates the idea that religion transforms societies through several mechanisms. Among the options given, the most fitting response is:
The religion of Islam transformed into a political entity that shaped an entire empire.
This response captures the essence of how Islam was not only a faith but also became the foundation for various political structures, laws, and societal norms throughout the vast Islamic Empire. The merging of religious and political authority influenced governance, culture, and societal organization in the regions where Islam spread.