The Article by Rehab El-Abd
Reviewed and designed by Dina El-Tawila
This ancient mosque stands as a testament to the arrival of Islam in Egypt, a legacy that will endure until the Day of Judgment.
Here, it all began
Here, the noble companion Amr ibn al-Aas laid the first stone of the oldest mosque in Egypt and Africa.
When you visit this mosque, you are not merely visiting stones; you are entering history through its grandest gates, for it was here that the message of Islam was launched in the land of Egypt.
And it will remain throughout time a symbol of Egypt's liberation and a witness to its history from the arrival of Islam until now.
Where is the mosque located?
The Mosque of Amr ibn al-As is located in the heart of Old Cairo, within the historic Fustat district. Amr ibn al-As, may God be pleased with him, chose to build the mosque in an area with vineyards, about one hundred meters south of the Babylon Fortress. The historic city of Fustat was the first Islamic capital of Egypt. The mosque is also located near the famous "Complex of Religions," which includes the Hanging Church, the Coptic Museum, and the Ben Ezra Synagogue.
Does the mosque have other names?
The Mosque of Amr ibn al-As is considered the first Islamic building block in Cairo, the capital. Due to its historical role in the past and present, its great archaeological value, and its cultural role in all aspects of life in Egypt, it has been given many names and titles, including:
- The Ancient Mosque
- The Crown of Mosques
- The Mosque of the Conquest
- The Mosque of Victory
- The Mosque of Egypt
- The Pole of the Heavens of Mosques
- The Azhar of Pre-Azhar
The Origins and History
In 21 AH/641 CE
After conquering Egypt in 20 AH/640 CE, he founded the city of Fustat, the capital of the country at that time, by order of Caliph Umar ibn al-Khattab. It remains a lasting symbol representing the history of Egypt from the arrival of Islam to the present day.
In his planning, Amr ibn al-As drew inspiration from:
Building his house on the eastern side, adjacent to its wall, and leaving a path between it and the mosque, approximately four meters wide, following the example of the Prophet's Mosque and his house in Medina.
The Description of the Mosque in its Initial Construction
The Area
When the mosque was first built, it was small.
The Doors
It had six doors: two facing the house of Amr ibn al-As on the eastern side, two on the north side, and two on the west side.
The Roof
Its roof was low and made of palm fronds and mud, supported by palm trunk beams.
The Walls
The walls were made of brick and unpainted mud bricks.
Other details
It had no courtyard
Its floor was paved with gravel.
It had a well known as Al-Bustan, which worshippers used for ablution.
The mosque was inaugurated at that time.
With the first Friday prayer on the 6th of Muharram, 21 AH.
The Initial Architectural Plan
Its original plan was
It's simple, with three walls, not four.
At the time of its construction, the area of the Mosque of Amr ibn al-As was approximately
50 cubits by 30 cubits, which is roughly equivalent to 675 square meters.
It had neither a courtyard nor a minaret.The
Its mihrab was flat and contained a minbar. It was built on palm trunk pillars and covered with palm fronds.
The mosque was adjacent to the bank of the Nile.
The river formed its eastern wall, which is why the mosque had only three walls, before the river gradually shifted westward.
A number of the Prophet's companions participated in its founding.
As narrated by Yazid ibn Abi Habib: "Eighty of the Prophet's companions stood to determine the qibla (direction of prayer) of the mosque, including Zubayr ibn al-Awwam, Miqdad, Ubadah ibn al-Samit, and Abu al-Darda."
In another narration
"This mosque of ours was founded by four Companions: Abu Dharr, Abu Basira, Muhi Juz', and Nabih ibn Sawab."
The Cultural Value
The Mosque of Amr ibn al-As was not merely a place of worship, but a comprehensive cultural center that served the state and society. Among its most important functions were:
A meeting place for Muslims and the forces of Amr ibn al-As
It were a minority at that time.
A court of law
A court was held there to resolve religious and civil disputes.
A council for stories and sermons
Most notable among them was Imam al-Layth ibn Sa'd.
A treasury
For the safekeeping and distribution of state funds.
A venue for major commercial transactions
It was a center for collecting state taxes.
The Architectural and Historical Developments of the Mosque Throughout the Ages
First: The Umayyad Era
(The Beginning of Expansions and Minarets)
The Reign of Mu'awiya ibn Abi Sufyan (53 AH / 672 CE)
The governor, Maslama ibn Mukhallad al-Ansari, carried out the first major expansion of the mosque, decorating its walls and ceilings, and adding four minarets to its four corners, thus becoming the first to add minarets to it.
The Reign of Abd al-Aziz ibn Marwan (79 AH / 698 CE)
He demolished the mosque, rebuilt it, and expanded it to meet the needs of the worshippers and their increasing numbers.
The Reign of al-Walid ibn Abd al-Malik (93 AH / 711 CE)
This era witnessed the largest and most important expansion of the Umayyad period under the supervision of the governor, Qurra ibn Sharik. He demolished the mosque completely and increased its area, and for the first time he created a hollow mihrab, a maqsurah, a wooden minbar, and made seven doors for the mosque.
Second: The Abbasid Era
(The Major Expansion) The Mosque of Amr ibn al-As witnessed significant expansions during the Abbasid era, most notably:
The expansion by Prince Salih ibn Ali in 133 AH (752/753 CE),
Who added four marble columns to the rear, replacing the palm trunks.
In 212 AH (821/822 CE), the governor Abdullah ibn Tahir,
by order of Caliph al-Ma'mun, carried out the largest expansion, bringing the mosque's dimensions to 112.5 x 120.5 cubits, a size the mosque maintained for centuries.
Third: The Fatimid Era
The Mosque of Amr ibn al-As witnessed its architectural zenith during the Fatimid era. Caliphs and ministers repaired damage and added marble decorations. Among the most prominent features of these expansions and additions are:
The Wall Decorations
The Fatimid Caliph completely covered the wall containing the mihrab with luxurious white marble panels, inscribed with Quranic verses in exquisite Arabic calligraphy.
Increased the Number of Columns
The traveler Nasir Khusraw documented, during the reign of Caliph al-Mustansir Billah, that the mosque contained approximately 400 columns of fine marble.
Fourth: The Ayyubid Era
(The Burning and Reconstruction) The mosque underwent extensive restoration and reconstruction by:
Sultan Saladin in 568 AH / 1172 CE
to save it from ruin after the famous fire of Fustat during this period. The work carried out on the "crown of mosques" included:
The Reconstruction of the Mosque
After large parts of it were destroyed by fire as a result of the "scorched earth" policy of the vizier Shawar.
The Renovation of the Mihrab
Saladin ordered the reconstruction of the large mihrab and its cladding with fine marble.
TheFoundation Inscriptions
The name of Saladin was inscribed on the mihrab's inscriptions as documentation of the reconstruction and restoration work.
Fifth: The Mamluk Era
(Earthquake and Restoration) The Mosque of Amr ibn al-As underwent renovations and restorations during the Mamluk era (especially after the earthquake of 702 AH).
Prince Salar
Is ordered its reconstruction during the reign of Sultan al-Nasir Muhammad ibn Qalawun.
Fifth: The Ottoman Era
(The Construction that Formed the Mosque's Basic Structure in the Modern Era)
The Construction by Murad Bey (1797 CE)
He demolished the mosque and rebuilt the prayer hall arcades after its walls developed cracks and its iwan collapsed. He also added two distinctive minarets, which still stand today. Although Murad Bey was a Mamluk commander of Circassian origin, his reconstruction of the mosque took place in 1212 AH / 1797 CE, a period when Egypt was officially a province of the Ottoman Empire (shortly before the French campaign).
The Foundation Inscriptions
The completion of this construction coincided with the end of Ramadan, and its opening was celebrated. The historical inscriptions commemorating this work are still visible today above the western doors.
The Care and Restoration
The mosque underwent several subsequent and sporadic restorations by Ottoman governors and rulers to preserve its structure.
The Events that Affected the Mosque Throughout History
The mosque has witnessed significant events that have impacted its features and led to the collapse of parts of it.
The mosque has undergone numerous restoration and renovation projects, and only the site of the original structure remains.
Among the most important of these events:
The First Fire (9 Safar 275 AH)
When a fire broke out at the end of the mosque, it consumed most of the extension added by the governor of Egypt, Abdullah ibn Tahir. The ruler, Khumarawayh ibn Ahmad ibn Tulun, ordered the mosque to be completely renovated and rebuilt in the same year.
The Second Fire (564 AH, during the fire of Fustat)
The Fatimid vizier, Shawar ibn Mujir al-Sa'di, deliberately set fire to the city to prevent the Crusaders from occupying it and using it as a military base. The fires raged for 54 days, leading to the complete destruction of Fustat and the damage to the mosque, with large sections of its roof and walls collapsing.
The First Devastating Earthquake (702 AH)
This earthquake caused significant damage to the structure, and Prince Salar, the Sultan's deputy during the reign of Sultan al-Nasir Muhammad ibn Qalawun, undertook its complete reconstruction and restoration.
The Second Devastating Earthquake (15 Rabi' al-Thani 1992 CE)
This earthquake shook Egypt, and the Antiquities Authority subsequently undertook restoration work.
The Collapse of an Ancient Column in the Qibla Iwan (March 24, 1996)
The mosque witnessed the collapse of 150 meters of its roof in the southeastern section of the Qibla portico. The collapse affected three arches in the oldest part of the mosque after the fall of one of its columns. The mosque had undergone several restoration and renovation projects, and the Qibla Iwan was dismantled and reassembled in 1997.
The Modern Era and Comprehensive Development: A 21st-Century Project
The mosque underwent complex restoration work, including soil injection and the driving of 35-meter-deep piles to protect it from groundwater.
The Recent Development
The mosque underwent a comprehensive renovation and was reopened to serve worshippers and visitors. The changes included:
- The creation of a large outdoor courtyard spanning 12,000 square meters, complete with fountains and palm-lined areas.
- The installation of a state-of-the-art rainwater drainage system.
- A modern system for damp-proofing and water level reduction.
- A complete upgrade of the lighting, sound, and security camera systems surrounding the mosque.
Although the current structure dates back to the 20th century, it still retains the character of early Islamic architecture.
The Amr ibn al-As Mosque as it is today
The Amr ibn al-As Mosque in Cairo has been restored to its former glory. It now covers an area of 28,500 square meters, of which 13,200 square meters are dedicated to prayer halls. The remaining area includes outdoor courtyards used for prayer during peak times and holidays, as well as a new service area.
The Entrance
The mosque features a prominent main entrance located on the western side. The mosque itself consists of a large open courtyard surrounded by four arcades with simple wooden ceilings.
The Columns
The Amr ibn al-As Mosque currently boasts 388 columns of various types.
These include 232 mosaic columns and 149 marble columns
In addition,
There are 7 ancient columns dating back to different periods.
These columns were originally brought from ancient Roman and Byzantine buildings.
The Qibla Arcade
The largest of these arcades is the Qibla Arcade, which consists of twenty-one porticoes, each of which consists of six pointed arches resting on marble columns.
Two Mihrabs and Two Minbars
At the front of the qibla portico are two recessed mihrabs, each flanked by a wooden minbar in a classical Islamic design inlaid with geometric patterns. These minbars are located to the right of the two mihrabs designated for the imam.
The Two Historical Panels
The qibla wall contains two historical panels dating back to the Mamluk era, documenting the restoration work and architectural additions made to the mosque during that period.
A Panel Above the Main Mihrab
Above the main mihrab is a historical panel, a masterpiece inscribed in gold leaf. The panel includes verses of poetry chronicling the restoration and renovation of the qibla iwan in 568 AH / 1172 CE and commemorating Sultan Saladin, who ordered the mihrab's renovation and marble cladding after the fire in Fustat.
The Two Historical Domes
The Mosque of Amr ibn al-As contains two prominent historical domes:
The Dome of Abdullah ibn Amr ibn al-As, located in the northeastern corner of the qibla portico.
The Dome of the Mosque's Courtyard
Erected during the Fatimid era, this dome stands in the center of the courtyard of the Mosque of Amr ibn al-As and is historically known as the "Dome of the Treasury." Originally built as a secure place to store Muslim funds in earlier Islamic periods, it now rests on eight round marble columns.
The Windows
The windows of the Mosque of Amr ibn al-As are distinguished by their unique historical architectural features. The old windows were designed with pointed arches and decorated with stucco ornamentation. Remnants of these decorations and the original windows are still visible in the southern wall of the mosque, reflecting the character of early Islamic architecture.
The Pyramid-shaped crenellations
The crenellations are characterized by their serrated shape, forming adjacent pyramidal triangles. They were not merely decorative but served as both defensive and aesthetic architectural elements throughout various Islamic eras.
The Two historical minarets
The Mosque of Amr ibn al-As in Cairo boasts two historical minarets dating back to the reign of Prince Murad Bey (Ottoman era) in 1212 AH. These minarets are simply designed, consisting of a single tier and culminating in a conical top, and stand as testaments to the ancient architecture of the mosque.
A well
In the qibla iwan on the southeastern side, there is an ancient well that was once used for ablution. Over time, this well has dried up, leaving only some stagnant water.
The Mihrab of Sayyida Nafisa
There is a small mihrab that Sayyida Nafisa - may God be pleased with her - used as a prayer space during her stays in Egypt. This small mihrab is located in the iwan (the seaward side) of the mosque, and it has acquired a prominent historical and spiritual status over the ages due to its association with the lady of the Prophet's family.
Was the Mosque of Amr ibn al-As a kind of Islamic university at that time in history?
Yes, the Mosque of Amr ibn al-As was considered the first Islamic university before
Al-Azhar
Al-Zaytuna
Al-Qayrawan
Therefore, many considered it the pre-Al-Azhar, where students received instruction in all aspects of the Arabic language and the true Islamic religion. The Mosque of Amr ibn al-As was a major beacon and a primary source of knowledge and learning in Egypt and the Islamic world, and it was considered the first Islamic university in Africa.
Which famous scholars graduated from the Mosque of Amr ibn al-As as an Islamic university?
The countless jurists, historians, and hadith scholars graduated from its scholarly circles, which extended over the centuries, enriching the Islamic library with their writings.
And among its most famous students
1. Imam al-Layth ibn Sa'd
The jurist and hadith scholar of Egypt, whose knowledge and jurisprudence spread far and wide.
2. Imam al-Shafi'i
The founder of the Shafi'i school of thought, who delivered his lessons in the mosque, and whose study circle became renowned.
3. Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani
The hadith master Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani is considered one of the most prominent scholars closely associated with the Mosque of Amr ibn al-As in Old Cairo, where he studied, taught, and served as preacher and imam.
4. Sultan al-Ulama' al-'Izz ibn 'Abd al-Salam
Known as "Sultan al-Ulama'" (Sultan of Scholars), he delivered sermons and taught in the mosque.
5. Abdullah ibn Wahb
One of the leading Maliki jurists in Egypt and a trustworthy hadith scholar, and a student of Imam Malik.
6. Yunus ibn Abd al-A'la
A companion of Imam al-Shafi'i, he taught Quranic recitation and jurisprudence at the Mosque of Amr ibn al-As.
7. Yazid ibn Habib
A distinguished Tabi'i (successor of the Companions), the leading scholar of Egypt in his time, and its Mufti (legal authority).
The mosque was and will remain
A destination for worshippers from all over. Its sides overflow with worshippers, whose numbers reach approximately half a million or more, especially during the days and nights of Ramadan when supplications are prolonged in a magnificent scene. Vast numbers of people surge out of the mosque after prayers into the surrounding streets and alleyways, extending as far north as Salah Salem Street, the Mari Girgis area to the south, and westward to the Anfa Metro Station.
