The amazing Amr ibn al-As mosque was the center of the ancient capital of Egypt “Fustat”. It was built in 641–642 AD and was considered the fourth largest mosque in the Islamic world. The mosque has been built in the previous location of the tent that belonged to the Islamic commander Amr ibn al-As. Through our article, you will know all information and the history of Amr ibn al-As mosque including:
Amr ibn al-As Mosque
The truly astonishing part of Amr ibn al-As mosque is that one corner of this mosque contains the tomb of Amr’s son ‘Abd Allah ibn ‘Amr ibn al-‘As and it was the first mosque to be built in Africa. The sad thing is that nothing of the original mosque remains because of the continual reconstruction of the mosque. There are two titles of the mosque which are: “The Antique Mosque” and “The Crown of the Mosques”.
Who is Amr ibn al-As?
The Islamic commander Amr ibn al-As was born 585. He led the Muslim conquest in Egypt in 640, was a contemporary of Muhammed and one of El-Sahaba. He was also the one who founded the old capital of Egypt “El-Fustat” and the mosque of Amr ibn al-As. He was shrewd and belonged to the nobility of the Quraysh. He used to fight Muslims and stand with Quraysh but he saw Muslims pray, got so interested in Islamic morals so he entered Islam, and became one of El-Sahaba. He liberated Egypt from the Romans under the order of caliph “Omar Ibn Al-Khattab Aka Al Farouk“.
The Reason Behind Choosing Amr ibn al-As Mosque Location
In 641, he wanted to conquer Alexandria, which was the capital of Egypt during the Greco-Roman period, with his army so he set a tent on the eastern side of the Nile. When he came back victorious, he found a dove laid an egg in his tent so he declared this site to be sacred and ordered to establish the new capital in that location. After that, Amr ibn al-As mosque has been built on the same location. He died in 664 AD.
The Construction of Amr ibn al-As Mosque
Amr ibn al-As mosque was primarily built with a low shed of wood and palm leaves. It was supported on columns of palm stems, stones, and mud bricks. Its width was 17m and its length was 29m. A lot of reconstruction works have been made in the most and one of the most important about these procedures was the work of the governor Abdallah ibn Taher in the 9th century under the rule of Caliph Mamoun. He extended the area of the mosque and the mosque measured 120 m in length and 112 m in width. The mosque of Amr ibn al-As was ruined after the fire of Fustat at the end of the Fatimid period in 1175 AD.
Salah Al-Din rebuilt the mosque and renewed it in 1179 AD but the Mamluke leaders demolished it at the end of the 18th century. Amr Ibn Al-As Mosque was rebuilt in 1796 AD and Mourad Bey changed the Iwan and the courtyard replacing the seven rows of columns in the qibla Iwan with 6. He also changed the bays to be perpendicular to the qibla wall instead of parallel and renewed the ceiling in addition to covering the floor with mats. Amr ibn al-As mosque was restored during the reign of Khedive Abbas Helmy II in 1906 AD and as long as it has been built 600 years before the construction of Al-Azhar mosque, it used to be an important place where lesson circles and religious lectures were held.
The Restorations of Amr ibn al-As Mosque
Everything about the previous architecture & construction has been changed because of all the events that happened during different time eras. There are great alterations, additions, and modifications in the construction of Amr ibn al-As mosque. There are also restorations that have been recorded through the various periods of the Islamic era, Ayubid, Mamluke, Abbasid and Umayyad.
The area of the mosque was enlarged, the roof raised, and the palm trunk columns were replaced by marble ones. Some developments have been made to Amr ibn al-As mosque including decorating its walls, increasing the number of entrances, and adding minarets. Now, there is a traditional open court surrounded by four Riwaqs and the largest one among them is the qibla Riwaq.
Explore the Heritage of Egypt Through Our Tour Packages
The Islamic history in Egypt has a great side to growing up the country, so there are many other Islamic attractions in Egypt you should visit, so we well created Egypt tour packages for those are hoping to enjoy unforgettable culture tours to the best attractions of Islamic, Coptic, and Pharaonic heritage. Also, our tours include Nile cruises which are considered the best way to discover Upper Egypt represented in Luxor & Aswan. Don’t miss the chance and book us now:
Great vacation for 4 days in Cairo Egypt accompanied by an e...
Duration
4 Days / 3 Nights
Availability
Everyday
An Incredible 5 days Cairo & Alexandria tour package to expl...
Duration
5 Days / 4 Nights
Availability
Everyday
Explore Egypt's ancient wonders on a 6 days vacation to Cair...
Duration
6 Days / 5 Nights
Availability
Everyday
Breathtaking 7 days Cairo, Luxor & Hurghada holiday to explo...
Duration
7 Days / 6 Nights
Availability
Everyday
FAQ
What Should I Wear While Being in Egypt?
You should wear whatever you want. It is advised to wear something light from cotton or linen, comfortable and put on sunblock during your time in Egypt in the summer and wear comfortable footwear like a closed-toe shoe to sustain the sandy terrain.
What to Pack for Your Egypt Tour?
You should bring a brimmed hat and sunglasses if you not used to the Egyptian sun &pack everything you could ever need and put in a small bag so you could move easily between your destinations.
Are All Nile Cruises Available at Any Time?
Yes, it is available all years. as the Nile from Aswan to Luxor takes three to four days of sailing on Monday, Wednesday and Friday for the total cost of 600$ and the Nile cruise from Luxor to Aswan take four to five days in Saturday, Monday and Thursday for the coast of 650$.
Why book Trips in Egypt?
We have experience in vacation planning for more than 10 years & our staff consists of the most professional operators, guides and drivers who dedicate all of their time & effort create the perfect vacation. All of our tours are customized by Travel, Financial & Time advisors to fit your every possible need during your time in egypt. we always keep in mind that your safety & comfort are our main priority until you return home.
Is it safe to travel to Egypt?
Yes, it is absolutely safe to travel to egypt, You will feel secure in Egypt as the current atmosphere of the country is very peaceful after the government took powerful measures like restructuring the entire tourist police to include all the important and tourist attractions in Egypt and construct an entire environment dedicated for ensuring the lives of all tourists.
What are Egypt's Visa Requirements?
They are very simples, If you want to apply for a Visa On Arrival that lasts for 30 days then you should be one of the eligible countries(check the link), have a valid passport with at least 6 months remaining and pay 25$ USD entry fee in cash. As for the E-Visa for 30 days, you should have a valid passport for at least 8 months, complete the online application, pay the e-visa fee then print the e-visa to later be presented to the airport border guard. You could be one of the countries eligible for a free visa for 90 days.
What is the Weather is Like?
The temperature of Egypt ranges from 37c to 14 c, Summer in Egypt is somehow hot and winter is cool and mild but sometimes it becomes cold at night. The average of low temperatures vary from 9.5 ¡ÆC in the wintertime to 23 ¡ÆC in the summertime and average high temperatures vary from 17 ¡ÆC in the wintertime to 32 ¡ÆC in the summertime while the temperature is moderate all along the coasts.
What is the Best Time of Visit Egypt?
It is known the best time to travel to Egypt is in the winter from September to April as the climate becomes a bit tropical, a warm atmosphere with a winter breeze. You will also be notified a week before your trip if the weather is unsafe or if any changes have been made.
Should I Give Tips in Egypt?
It is totally up to you, but if you choose to you can tip the servers at your restaurant 5-10% by handing it to them directly and 5 Egyptian Pounds as a general tip of anyone.
Can I Enter the Pyramids?
Yes, you can enter the pyramids for the small fee of 20$.
How to Enjoy Egypt During Ramadan?
Ramadan is a special time of year for Muslims that should be celebrated by non-Muslims and feel the essence of the Islamic culture. You can fast with the Muslim or just observe but you are always welcome to join the celebrations and festivals.
Show More
Show Less
Share Your Comment