How Amr ibn al-As Conquered Egypt with Intelligence and Diplomacy
The year was 640 CE, and the Muslims had just conquered Syria and Palestine from the Byzantine Empire. They had also established their presence in Iraq and Persia, after defeating the Sassanid Empire. But their ambitions did not stop there. They wanted to spread the message of Islam to the lands of Egypt and North Africa, where the Byzantines still ruled.
The leader of the Muslim army was Amr ibn al-As (l. c. 573-664 CE), a companion of the Prophet Muhammad and a skilled general. He had been given permission by the caliph Umar ibn al-Khattab (r. 634-644 CE) to invade Egypt, but with only 4,000 men. Amr knew that this was not enough to face the Byzantine forces, which numbered in the tens of thousands. He also knew that Egypt was a rich and fertile land, with a long history and culture. He decided to use his intelligence and diplomacy, as well as his military prowess, to achieve his goal.
He first sent a letter to the Coptic Christians of Egypt, who were oppressed by the Byzantine rulers for their religious differences. He promised them freedom of worship, protection of their churches, and fair treatment under Islamic law, if they would support his cause. Many Copts welcomed his offer, and some even joined his army.
He then advanced towards the Nile Delta, where he encountered a Byzantine garrison at Pelusium. He besieged the city for two months, until it surrendered. He then marched along the Nile, capturing several towns and fortresses along the way. He reached Babylon, near modern-day Cairo, where he faced a strong Byzantine resistance. He laid siege to the city for seven months, until he received reinforcements from Arabia.
From Egypt, the Byzantines threatened Muslim lands to the north, and with this section cut off from the core of the empire, an invasion would be very effective³. Amr, reinforced by Zubayr ibn al-Awamm (l. 594-656 CE), took on an imperial army at Heliopolis (640 CE) and secured a decisive victory³. He then entered Babylon and captured it. He then proceeded to Fustat, where he established his headquarters and built a mosque.
He then sent a message to Umar, asking for permission to continue his conquest of Egypt. Umar hesitated at first, fearing that Amr would overextend himself and expose his army to danger. But Amr assured him that he had enough men and resources to carry on. Umar finally agreed, and Amr resumed his campaign.
He marched towards Alexandria, the capital of Egypt and one of the most splendid cities in the world at that time. It was defended by a large Byzantine army and navy, as well as a massive wall that surrounded the city. Amr laid siege to Alexandria for 14 months, during which he tried various tactics to breach the wall and repel the naval attacks. He also negotiated with some of the local inhabitants, who were unhappy with the Byzantine rule and taxation.
Finally, in 642 CE, Alexandria fell to the Muslims. Amr entered the city peacefully and respected its people and monuments. He spared the famous Library of Alexandria, which had been destroyed by previous invaders². He also allowed the Byzantines to leave with their belongings and ships.
With this victory, Amr completed his conquest of Egypt. He then extended his rule to Libya and parts of Sudan. He established Egypt as a prosperous and stable province of the Islamic caliphate, where Muslims, Christians, Jews, and others lived in harmony and tolerance.
Amr ibn al-As was one of the most heroic Islamic military leaders in history. He conquered a vast and rich land with a small and loyal army. He used his wisdom and courage to overcome his enemies and win over his allies. He left behind a legacy of justice and generosity that is still remembered today.