FULL STORY:Rashidun Conquest Of Egypt 639 AD

 

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Today, we will discuss about Rashidun Caliphate s conquest of Egypt at 639 AD. This moment, became one important conquest at Islamic History and begin from Islamic Ruled at Egypt, before Egypt became one Byzantine Empire s main basic for his navy. Please read this article until end and subscribe my blog for more informations about Islamic History and Civilizatio. It is easy verb for you, but have big role for help our blog s development that focuss at Islamic History and Civilization. And, dont forget, read this article until end for get complete informations about Islamic History and Civilization.

Conquest of Egypt, happened at 639 AD, second caliph from Rashidun Caliphate, Umar ibn Khattab ( ruled 634-644 AD) send army under Commander Amr ibn Ash for conquer Egypt s province that under Byzantine Empire s  navy s basic at Middle East. And, Egypt, also became gate from doing conquest North Africa.  With Amr ibn  Ash, Umar ibn Khattab also send Zubayr ibn Awwam for became Amr s assistant for conquer Egypt.  Byzantine Ruler at Egypt at this time is Mukaukis and his commander is Arthabun.

Amr ibn Ash, can make peace with Mukaukis with intermediary two Egyptian Christiant Priest, Abu Maryam and Abu Miryam. As information, Christiant at Egypt, is Coptic Christiant, one branch from East Christiant. Abu Maryam and Abu Miryam, can make King Mukaukis agree peace covenant with Rashidun Caliphate. Arthabun, as Byzantine Commander at Egypt, doesnt agree with this agreement.

Arthabun mobilized Byzantine Army for attack Muslims Army. And, Byzantine Army moved for attack Muslims Army. Syrian Historian, Imam Ibn Kathir, said that Arthabun and his army defeated. Several Byzantine Army die at this ambush. Amr and Zubayr moved to Ain Shams, one important city at Egypt, and Rashidun Army besieged City of Ain Shams. Mukaukis, choosed for defend at City of Ain Shams, and battle broke beetwen Muslims and Byzantine-Egypt Army. Zubayr ibn Awwam, can climb Fortress of Ain Shams and entered Ain Sham s fortress. And, Byzantine-Egypt Army submit. They want make peace covenant with Rashidun Caliphate. All Egyptians join this covenant. Included Priest Abu Maryam and Abu Miryam. Abu Maryam and Abu Miryam came to Amr ibn Ash for talk about several Egyptian Womens that became Rashidun Army s hostages. Amr ibn Ash drive out them. When this news achieve Caliph Umar ibn Khattab, he give command for Amr ibn Ash to back all women prisoners that became slave  at day 5 days.

Non Muslims Source, tell different with that tell by Islamic Source. John of Niceu. John, who life at 7 TH Century, write one chronichle such as quoted by Hossam Itani, that said Muslims Army , ( mentioned by Ishamelites by John) attack Egypt and they fight with Byzantine Commander, Theodosius ( maybe called by Arthabun at Arabic Sources) . Muslims Army defeat Byzantine Army and Muslims Army occupied City of Bahnasa. All Bahnasa s Civilians killed and Muslims Army can entered Territories of al-Fayyum.  

Hugh Kennedy, who also quoted John of Niceu s chronichle, said Amr ibn Ash and his army forward to Fayyum and steal goat and sheep. Byzantine-Egypt Militia Commander, John tried to chased Amr s army and they defeated. Amr, attack Fortress of Babylon  after this ( at Arabic Source fortress of Ain Shams).  According John, Rashidun Army also conquer City of Niceu at 641 AD, and according John, kill all civilians. This narration, different with Islamic-Arabic Sources and narration about civilian s slaughtered dont written at Arabic Sources.  Imam Dhahabi, said that all Egypt territories fall with peace covenant, except for Alexandria. Amr ibn Ash, became Rashidun Governor at Egypt.

Refrences:

Hitti, Philip.K: History Of The Arabs: Rujukan Induk dan Paling Otoritatif Tentang Sejarah Peradaban Islam, Penerbit Serambi, 2006 M.

Itani, Hussam: Penaklukan Muslim Di Mata Bangsa Taklukan, Penerbit Alvabet, 2019 M.

Kennedy, Hugh: Penaklukkan Muslim Yang Mengubah Dunia, Penerbit Alvabet, 2019 M.

Imam ad-Dzahabi:  Siyar Alam an-Nubala Jilid 3: Generasi 1 ( Khulafa Rasyidin Abu Bakar-Ali), Tahqiq oleh Syuaib al-Arnauth & Team, Pustaka Azzam, 2017 M.

Al-Hafizh Ibnu Katsir: Perjalanan Hidup Empat Khalifah Rasul Yang Agung, Penerbit Darul Haq, 2012 M.