# 'Amr ibn al-'As

> Arab military commander and governor (c.573–664)

**Wikidata**: [Q314781](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q314781)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amr_ibn_al-As)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/amr-ibn-al-as

## Summary
‘Amr ibn al-‘As was a prominent Arab military commander, politician, and governor who played a pivotal role in the early Islamic conquests of the 7th century. Born circa 573 CE, he is best known for leading the Arab conquest of Egypt and founding the city of Fustat, which became a major administrative and religious center. His strategic leadership in key battles, including the Battle of Yarmouk and the Siege of Jerusalem, solidified his legacy as a foundational figure in the expansion of the Rashidun and Umayyad Caliphates.

## Biography
- **Born**: c. 573 CE (exact place unknown)  
- **Nationality**: Arab  
- **Known for**: Military leadership in the Arab conquests of Egypt, the Levant, and the Maghreb; founding of Fustat and the Mosque of Amr ibn al-As.  
- **Employer(s)**: Rashidun Caliphate, Umayyad Caliphate  
- **Field(s)**: Military strategy, governance, diplomacy  

## Contributions
- **Arab Conquest of Egypt (639–642 CE)**: Led the campaign that brought Egypt under Islamic rule, defeating Byzantine forces and establishing Fustat as the provincial capital.  
- **Battle of Yarmouk (636 CE)**: Commanded a critical wing of the Rashidun army against the Byzantine Empire, securing a decisive victory that opened the Levant to Arab expansion.  
- **Siege of Jerusalem (637 CE)**: Negotiated the surrender of Jerusalem to Caliph Umar, ensuring peaceful Muslim control of the city.  
- **Mosque of Amr ibn al-As (642 CE)**: Founded one of the oldest mosques in Africa, which remains a major historical and religious site in Cairo.  
- **Governance of Egypt**: Implemented administrative and fiscal reforms, integrating Egypt into the caliphate’s system while preserving local institutions.  

## FAQs
**Q: What were ‘Amr ibn al-‘As’s most significant military achievements?**  
A: He led the conquest of Egypt, defeated Byzantine forces at the Battle of Yarmouk, and negotiated the surrender of Jerusalem, all of which were critical to the expansion of the early Islamic state.  

**Q: Was ‘Amr ibn al-‘As a companion of the Prophet Muhammad?**  
A: Yes, he converted to Islam in 630 CE after initially opposing Muhammad, becoming a key figure in the early Muslim community and later Islamic governance.  

**Q: What is ‘Amr ibn al-‘As’s legacy in Egypt?**  
A: He established Fustat as the first Islamic capital of Egypt and founded the Mosque of Amr ibn al-As, which remains a symbol of early Islamic architecture and faith.  

**Q: Did ‘Amr ibn al-‘As participate in the Fitna (civil wars)?**  
A: Yes, he supported Mu‘awiya during the First Fitna, notably at the Battle of Siffin (657 CE), aligning with the Umayyad faction against Ali ibn Abi Talib.  

## Why They Matter
‘Amr ibn al-‘As was instrumental in transforming the political and religious landscape of the Middle East and North Africa. His military campaigns and administrative policies facilitated the integration of Egypt, the Levant, and the Maghreb into the Islamic caliphate, fostering cultural and economic exchanges that shaped the medieval world. Without his leadership, the pace and stability of early Islamic expansion might have differed significantly, altering the trajectory of regional history. His diplomatic acumen, particularly in negotiating surrenders and maintaining local governance structures, set precedents for Islamic rule over diverse populations.  

## Notable For  
- **First Governor of Islamic Egypt**: Established Fustat as a model of early Islamic urban planning and governance.  
- **Founder of the Mosque of Amr ibn al-As**: Built one of the earliest mosques in Africa, symbolizing the entrenchment of Islam in the region.  
- **Veteran of Key Battles**: Fought in the Battle of Badr (624 CE) against the Quraysh and later commanded forces at Yarmouk and Siffin.  
- **Diplomatic Innovator**: Negotiated treaties with Byzantine and local leaders, ensuring peaceful transitions of power in conquered territories.  
- **Multifaceted Career**: Transitioned from merchant and diplomat to military commander and statesman, reflecting the evolving needs of the expanding caliphate.  

## Body  
### Early Life and Conversion  
‘Amr ibn al-‘As was born circa 573 CE into the Banu Umayya clan of the Quraysh tribe in Mecca. Initially a merchant and polytheist, he opposed Muhammad during the early years of Islam, participating in battles such as Badr (624 CE) and Uhud (625 CE) against the Muslims. He converted to Islam in 630 CE after the Conquest of Mecca, becoming a trusted ally of the Prophet Muhammad.  

### Military Campaigns  
- **Ridda Wars (632–633 CE)**: Suppressed rebellions in the Arabian Peninsula following Muhammad’s death, consolidating caliphal authority.  
- **Levant Campaign (634–638 CE)**: Played a key role in the Muslim conquest of the Levant, defeating Byzantine forces at the Battle of Ajnadayn (634 CE) and the Yarmouk (636 CE).  
- **Conquest of Egypt (639–642 CE)**: Led a small but disciplined army against Byzantine Egypt, capturing key cities like Pelusium and Alexandria. The Treaty of Hadiqah (642 CE) formalized Byzantine withdrawal.  
- **Battle of Siffin (657 CE)**: Commanded Syrian forces in support of Mu‘awiya against Ali ibn Abi Talib during the First Fitna, contributing to the Umayyad rise to power.  

### Governance and Legacy  
As governor of Egypt (642–644 CE, 658–663 CE), ‘Amr ibn al-‘As:  
- **Administrative Reforms**: Maintained existing Byzantine bureaucratic systems while integrating Islamic taxation (e.g., *jizya* and *kharaj*).  
- **Founding of Fustat**: Established the city as a strategic military and administrative hub, linking Egypt to the wider caliphate.  
- **Religious Infrastructure**: Built the Mosque of Amr ibn al-As in Fustat, which served as a center for Islamic learning and community life.  

### Controversies and Later Life  
‘Amr ibn al-‘As’s alignment with Mu‘awiya during the Fitna divided opinions among early Muslims, with some criticizing his political pragmatism. He died in 664 CE in Damascus, leaving behind a legacy as both a brilliant strategist and a controversial figure in Islamic history.  

### Cultural Impact  
The Mosque of Amr ibn al-As and the Amr Ibn al-Aas Mosque in Damietta remain active places of worship, testifying to his enduring influence. His governance model in Egypt, blending local traditions with Islamic principles, influenced administrative practices across the medieval Islamic world.

## References

1. Islamskiy entsiklopedicheskiy slovar'
2. Source
3. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
4. CERL Thesaurus
5. [Source](https://islamansiklopedisi.org.tr/amr-b-as)
6. Digital Scriptorium Catalog