Definition and Meaning
Amr ibn al-As (Arabic: عمرو بن العاص, died 663 CE) was a prominent companion of the Prophet Muhammad, an esteemed military leader, and the conqueror as well as the governor of Egypt. Born in Mecca, Amr ibn al-As rose to prominence during the Islamic conquests under the Rashidun Caliphate. He is best known for leading the army that invaded Egypt in 639 CE and subsequently establishing the city of Fustat, which became a focal administrative and military center.
Etymology and Background
The name “Amr” is derived from the Arabic root “ع م ر” (ʿ-m-r), which connotes the meanings of constructing, building, or living. His full name, Amr ibn al-As ibn Wa’il (عمرو بن العاص بن وائل), indicates his lineage belonging to the Banu Sahm clan of the Quraish tribe.
Historical Context and Achievements
- Early Life: Amr ibn al-As was initially an opponent of Islam but later converted along with Khalid ibn al-Walid in 629 CE.
- Conquest of Egypt: Amr’s military campaign against Byzantine Egypt commenced in December 639 CE. By 642 CE, he successfully overpowered the Byzantine forces, marking the end of Byzantine rule in Egypt.
- Establishment of Fustat: Known also as Al-Fustat, this city was strategically planned to serve as a new administrative capital, taking over Alexandria’s former position.
- Governance: He administered Egypt until Caliph Uthman replaced him. Later, under Muawiyah I, after the Rashidun-Caliphate tensions and the Battle of Siffin, he was reinstated as governor of Egypt.
Cultural Significance and Synonyms
- Cultural Impact: Amr ibn al-As’s rule marked a significant transformation in Egypt’s administrative, cultural, and religious landscape. The founding of Fustat marked the beginning of Muslim rule which would shape modern Cairo.
- Synonyms: Islamic Conqueror, Governor of Egypt, Founding Father of Fustat.
Exciting Facts
- The Mosque of Amr ibn al-As: This was the first mosque built in Africa, situated in Fustat which highlighted his significant contributions.
- Battle of Siffin: In this battle, Amr played a significant role siding with Muawiyah I against Caliph Ali, which contributed to the formative political rivalries within the early Islamic state.
Quotes
“Amr ibn al-As was more than a conqueror; he was a visionary. His establishment of the city of Fustat laid the groundwork for the future metropolis of Cairo.” — Abu Zayd al-Hamawi.
Related Terms
- Rashidun Caliphate: The first four caliphs following the Prophet Muhammad.
- Fustat: The first capital of Islamic Egypt.
- Muawiyah I: The founder of the Umayyad Caliphate and ally of Amr ibn al-As.
Further studies and Literature
- “The Conquest of Egypt by Amr ibn al-As” by Dr. Syed Amir Hussain.
- “Amr ibn al-As: His Life and Legacy” by Prof. Hassan Ahmad.
- “Islamic Conquests and Influences in North Africa” by Dr. Mona Hassan.
Inspirational Thought: “Through tales of bravery and vision, Amr ibn al-As reshaped the history of Egypt, infusing it with the spirit of a new age.”
Farewell for Now, Yusuf Al-Mahdi
### Who was Amr ibn al-As?
- [x] A conqueror and governor of Egypt.
- [ ] A famous poet of the Abbasid era.
- [ ] A Christian bishop.
- [ ] A Persian astrologer.
> **Explanation:** Amr ibn al-As was a companion of the Prophet Muhammad and played a significant role as the conqueror and governor of Egypt.
### What year did Amr ibn al-As invade Egypt?
- [x] 639 CE
- [ ] 622 CE
- [ ] 750 CE
- [ ] 656 CE
> **Explanation:** Amr ibn al-As initiated the conquest of Egypt from the Hijaz region in December 639 CE.
### Which city did Amr ibn al-As establish as the new capital of Egypt?
- [x] Fustat
- [ ] Alexandria
- [ ] Cairo
- [ ] Memphis
> **Explanation:** Amr ibn al-As established Fustat, which served as the new administrative center replacing Alexandria.
### Why was Amr ibn al-As initially replaced as governor of Egypt by Caliph Uthman?
- [x] Due to the administrative reorganization by Caliph Uthman.
- [ ] Because of an internal rebellion.
- [ ] He fell ill and could not continue.
- [ ] He chose to return to Mecca.
> **Explanation:** Amr ibn al-As was replaced by Caliph Uthman as part of administrative changes and reorganization efforts.
### What significant battle did Amr ibn al-As fight alongside Muawiyah I?
- [x] The Battle of Siffin
- [ ] The Battle of Badr
- [ ] The Battle of Yarmouk
- [ ] The Battle of Qadisiyyah
> **Explanation:** The Battle of Siffin occurred in 657 CE where Amr ibn al-As supported Muawiyah I against Caliph Ali.
### What significant architectural and cultural contribution did Amr ibn al-As make in Egypt?
- [x] Building the Mosque of Amr ibn al-As
- [ ] Creating the Sphinx of Giza
- [ ] Constructing the Alhambra Palace
- [ ] Writing a famous Islamic treatise
> **Explanation:** The Mosque of Amr ibn al-As, the first mosque built in Africa, stands as a testament to his architectural and cultural legacy.
### In which army did Amr ibn al-As serve during the Islamic conquests?
- [x] The army under the Rashidun Caliphate
- [ ] The Abbasid army
- [ ] The Byzantine army
- [ ] The Sassanid army
> **Explanation:** Amr ibn al-As served as a leader in the Rashidun Caliphate's military campaigns, specifically noted for his conquest of Egypt.
### What strategic reason led Amr ibn al-As to move the capital from Alexandria to Fustat?
- [x] The need for a more central and defensible administrative center
- [ ] A preference for a coastal city.
- [ ] Natural disasters in Alexandria.
- [ ] He sought to honor a family tradition.
> **Explanation:** Fustat was strategically located and more defensible compared to Alexandria, marking a significant military and administrative decision by Amr ibn al-As.
