MUSJID AMR IBN AL ÂS RA
MUSJID AMR IBN AL ÂS RA
- This Musjid is the first Musjid in Africa. It was originally built in 641 CE, as the center of the newly founded Muslim capital of Egypt, Fustāt. Many Companions of the Prophet ﷺresided here during the early days. With time the Musjid also became the most important centre of learning for Muslims in Africa. It remained thus for at least 600 years until the Al Azhar Musjid replaced it.
- The Musjid was renovated many times during its history. Salahudeen Al-Ayyubi rebuilt it in 1179 as did others after him. Right till the twentieth century, it was the fourth largest Musjid in the Islamic world.
- One corner of the Musjid contains the tomb of the son of its founder, Abdullah ibn ‘Amribn al-‘Âs.
- Though it has been renovated many times and not much of the original structure remains, it is still the site of the oldest Musjid in Egypt and the entire continent of Africa.
