Yasir Qadhi History #03 How Egyptians - and Most of Africa Became Muslim in Just One Generation
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Feb 27, 2026 A brisk retelling of the rapid Muslim expansion into Egypt and across North Africa. Battles for Fustat and Alexandria, plus the founding of key cities and mosques, take center stage. Stories of long marches to the Atlantic and the ambush that ended a famed general’s career are covered. The episode also examines why these campaigns succeeded and how early leaders shaped lasting institutions.
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Amr ibn al-As Conquers Egypt And Founds Fustat
- Amr ibn al-As led the first major Muslim campaign into Egypt, besieging Fustat and then taking Alexandria after reinforcements arrived.
- Umar sent 10,000 troops under Zubair ibn al-Awwam, and Amr founded Fustat and the Mosque of Amr ibn al-As in 642 CE as a garrison base.
Uqba ibn Nafi Establishes Qayrawan And Expands West
- Uqba ibn Nafi' extended Muslim presence across North Africa, founding Qayrawan and campaigning deep into Libya and the Maghrib.
- He established Qayrawan around 670 CE as a military-religious hub and famously cleared the area of beasts by proclamation in local legend.
Uqba's Atlantic Campaign And Martyrdom
- Uqba led a massive expedition reaching the Atlantic and traversing Morocco before being ambushed and martyred at Tahuda.
- His final campaign (61–63 Hijra / ~680s CE) reached Tangiers and the Atlantic coast, ending with his death alongside 300 troops.