Mosque of Amr ibn al-As

　　    Amr ibn al-As was an Arab general and statesman, shrewd, formidable, resourceful, quick-tempered, eloquent, and warlike. His spontaneous actions won Egypt for the Islamic world. He was not only a successful military commander but also an able administrator and keen politician. He established the taxation and judicial systems in Egypt. As one of the four great political geniuses of the early Arab Empire, without leading a single soldier, he relied solely on his wisdom to help Muawiyah defeat Caliph Ali, the most renowned warrior in the Arab world, and seize the throne. He ultimately died in Egypt as its governor, was buried there, and is celebrated there.

　　    The Mosque of Amr ibn al-As is named after Amr ibn al-As, as is the fortress that bears his name. This temple, built in 642 AD from palm trunks and leaves, is the first mosque in Egypt and indeed in Africa. After the Muslim general Amr ibn al-As conquered the land, he set up camp on the spot, which led to the creation of the current mosque. Around it grew Fustat (Al-Fustat), the new capital of Islamic Egypt. Nearly 200 columns in the mosque were sourced from various quarries, and its spacious interior makes it a serene retreat away from the hustle and bustle of Cairo.

　　    The site of the Mosque of Amr ibn al-As is now commonly known as the Multi-Religious Compound in Cairo. The ancient courtyards and houses there continue to represent the three major monotheistic religions: Islam, Christianity, and Judaism. When there are no major religious holidays, the mosque is open to visitors for tours.

　　    Mosque of Amr ibn al-As Reason to visit: Egypt’s earliest established mosque Continent: Africa Country/Region: Egypt Province/State: Cairo Governorate City: Cairo