Amr Ibn El Aas Mosque

In the heart of Old Cairo, where history breathes through every stone and echo of prayer, stands one of Egypt’s most treasured landmarks — the Amr Ibn El Aas Mosque. Known as the first mosque ever built in Egypt and all of Africa, this sacred monument marks the dawn of Islamic civilization on the continent. Its story is one of faith, conquest, and unity — a timeless symbol of the spread of Islam and the birth of a new cultural identity in Egypt.

For centuries, the mosque has been more than a place of worship. It has served as a center for education, justice, and community life. Despite numerous reconstructions, its spirit has remained pure and enduring, welcoming visitors from all over the world who wish to connect with Egypt’s Islamic heritage.

A Historic Beginning: The Birth of Islamic Egypt

The history of the Amr Ibn El Aas Mosque begins with the arrival of Islam in Egypt. In 640 AD, the Muslim army under the command of Amr Ibn El Aas, one of Prophet Muhammad’s most trusted companions, entered Egypt during the reign of the Byzantine Empire. After several battles and the eventual surrender of Babylon Fortress in 642 AD, Egypt came under Islamic rule.

To commemorate the victory and establish a place for prayer and administration, Amr Ibn El Aas ordered the construction of a mosque in the newly founded city of Fustat, the first Islamic capital of Egypt. The mosque was completed in the same year, making it not only the first mosque in Egypt but also the first in all of Africa.

At that time, it was known as “Masjid al-‘Atiq” or “The Ancient Mosque.” Built with simplicity and humility, it symbolized the new beginning of Islamic Egypt — a land that would soon become one of the greatest centers of Islamic learning and culture.

The Foundation and Original Design

The original structure of the Amr Ibn El Aas Mosque was remarkably simple compared to the grand Islamic architecture that came later. It was built from mud bricks and palm trunks, with a roof made of palm leaves supported by wooden columns. The floor was covered with plain sand. There was no minaret, no dome, and no elaborate decoration — only a pure space for worship and community gathering.

The mosque’s rectangular layout became the foundation for many future mosque designs in Egypt and beyond. Its qibla wall, facing Mecca, was carefully aligned for prayer, while open courtyards allowed light and air to flow freely.

Over the centuries, as Egypt grew in wealth and power, successive rulers expanded and renovated the mosque — each leaving their own artistic and architectural touch while preserving its spiritual core.

Major Restorations and Architectural Evolution

The Amr Ibn El Aas Mosque has undergone several significant restorations throughout history. Each phase reflects the architectural styles and cultural influences of its era.

1. The Early Expansion (641–673 AD)

Only a few decades after its construction, the mosque was expanded by Amr Ibn El Aas’s successors to accommodate the growing Muslim population of Fustat. The walls were extended, and the simple palm trunks were replaced by stone columns taken from ancient Roman and Pharaonic ruins nearby — an early example of Egypt’s fusion of civilizations.

2. Abbasid and Fatimid Additions

During the Abbasid period (8th–9th centuries), new features were added, including four minarets, arches, and a central courtyard. The Fatimids later introduced decorative elements and improved the mosque’s mihrab (prayer niche), giving it more artistic flair.

3. Mamluk and Ottoman Restorations

The Mamluks and Ottomans carried out further restorations between the 13th and 18th centuries, adding marble floors, intricate woodwork, and Qur’anic inscriptions. Despite these many changes, the mosque maintained its original open-plan structure and spiritual essence.

4. The Modern Era

In the 19th and 20th centuries, the mosque was again restored by Egyptian authorities to ensure its preservation. Today, it stands as a living monument — an evolving masterpiece that continues to blend ancient simplicity with later artistic refinements.

Architectural Highlights

1. The Courtyard (Sahn)

At the heart of the mosque lies a vast marble courtyard, surrounded by shaded arcades supported by hundreds of columns. The open space allows natural light to illuminate the interior, creating a tranquil atmosphere. In the center stands a small domed fountain, traditionally used for ablution before prayer.

2. The Prayer Hall

The prayer hall extends along the qibla wall and is defined by rows of elegant columns forming harmonious arches. The simplicity of the design emphasizes humility and devotion — the very essence of Islamic spirituality.

3. The Minarets

Although the original mosque had no minaret, later rulers added four slender minarets that rise gracefully above Old Cairo’s skyline. These served both practical and symbolic purposes — the call to prayer and the proclamation of faith to the city below.

4. The Mihrab and Minbar

The mihrab, or prayer niche, marks the direction of Mecca. It is framed with delicate carvings and marble, while the minbar (pulpit) beside it features fine woodwork used by the imam to deliver sermons during Friday prayers.

The Mosque’s Role Through the Ages

A Center of Faith

For over 1,300 years, the Amr Ibn El Aas Mosque has been a beacon of faith and worship. It continues to function as an active mosque, with daily prayers and Friday sermons attracting worshippers from across Cairo.

A Center of Knowledge

In early Islamic Egypt, the mosque also served as a center for education. Scholars gathered here to teach Qur’an, Hadith (Prophetic traditions), Arabic grammar, and jurisprudence. It became one of the first Islamic learning centers in Egypt, predating even Al-Azhar University.

A Place of Community

The mosque played a vital social role as well — hosting public meetings, court sessions, and charitable activities. It symbolized unity and justice, where rulers and common people stood side by side before God.

Spiritual Significance

Beyond its historical and architectural importance, the Amr Ibn El Aas Mosque holds deep spiritual meaning for Muslims worldwide. As the first mosque in Egypt, it represents the moment when Islam took root in a new land — one that would later flourish as a center of knowledge, art, and devotion.

Many pilgrims who visit Cairo stop here to offer prayers, considering it a place of blessing and reflection. Its simple design encourages contemplation, humility, and a profound sense of connection with the earliest generations of Islam.

Amr Ibn El Aas: The Man Behind the Mosque

The mosque takes its name from Amr Ibn El Aas, one of the most remarkable figures in early Islamic history. A brilliant military commander and skilled diplomat, Amr led the Muslim conquest of Egypt under the second caliph, Omar Ibn Al-Khattab.

After his victory, Amr founded the city of Fustat, which became the administrative and cultural heart of Islamic Egypt. The mosque was the city’s first building — its cornerstone.

Amr was also known for his wisdom, justice, and humility. His decision to build the mosque symbolized not just military triumph, but also the spread of a new faith that emphasized unity, mercy, and learning.

Cultural Influence and Legacy

The Amr Ibn El Aas Mosque influenced the design of countless other mosques throughout Egypt and North Africa. Its simple rectangular layout with an open courtyard became the prototype for later Islamic architecture in the region.

The mosque also helped shape Cairo’s identity as a center of faith and scholarship. Long before the grand mosques of Al-Azhar or Sultan Hassan, it was here that Egypt’s Islamic journey began.

Even today, its enduring presence in Old Cairo reminds Egyptians and visitors alike of the nation’s deep spiritual roots and its role in the history of Islam.

Exploring the Mosque Today

A visit to the Amr Ibn El Aas Mosque is both a spiritual and cultural experience. The mosque lies in Old Cairo (Misr al-Qadima), near other historic landmarks such as the Hanging Church, Babylon Fortress, and the Coptic Museum — all within walking distance.

What to Expect:

• Peaceful Ambience: The mosque’s serene courtyard and prayer halls offer calm amid the bustle of Cairo.

• Beautiful Columns: Many columns are reused from ancient temples and Roman buildings, each unique in design and history.

• Photographic Views: The mosque’s open arches and marble floors reflect light beautifully, perfect for photography.

• Welcoming Community: Visitors of all faiths are welcome to enter respectfully, especially outside of prayer times.

Visitor Information

• Location: Amr Ibn El Aas Street, Old Cairo, near Mar Girgis Metro Station.

• Opening Hours: Open daily from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM (visitors are welcome outside prayer times).

• Entry: Free of charge. Modest dress is required; women should cover their hair.

• Best Time to Visit: Early morning or late afternoon for a peaceful atmosphere and soft lighting.

• Nearby Attractions: Hanging Church, Coptic Museum, Synagogue of Ben Ezra, and Babylon Fortress.

Tips for Visitors

1. Dress respectfully – modest attire is required inside the mosque.

2. Remove shoes before entering prayer halls.

3. Visit with a local guide for historical insight and context.

4. Take time to reflect in the courtyard; it’s a deeply peaceful space.

5. Combine your visit with a walking tour of Old Cairo’s religious landmarks for a full-day experience.

A Landmark of Tolerance and Coexistence

One of the most inspiring aspects of the Amr Ibn El Aas Mosque is its location in Old Cairo’s “Religious Complex”, where mosques, churches, and synagogues stand side by side. This area symbolizes Egypt’s long history of religious coexistence and respect.

The mosque itself, built so close to ancient Christian and Jewish sites, demonstrates the cultural harmony that has defined Egypt for centuries. It’s a living example of how faiths have interacted peacefully in this ancient land.

Restoration and Preservation Efforts

The Egyptian government and heritage organizations have made significant efforts to preserve the mosque. Restoration projects have focused on maintaining the original columns, stonework, and roof structure, ensuring that visitors can still experience its early Islamic character.

Recent renovations include improved lighting, signage, and guided tours in multiple languages to help tourists appreciate the site’s importance. Despite Cairo’s rapid modernization, the mosque remains a tranquil sanctuary untouched by time.

Why You Should Visit

Visiting the Amr Ibn El Aas Mosque is not just a historical excursion — it’s a journey through faith, architecture, and identity. It offers insight into:

• The beginnings of Islam in Africa.

• Early mosque architecture and its evolution.

• The deep cultural layers that define Cairo.

For Muslims, it’s a place of immense spiritual reward. For non-Muslims, it’s a chance to witness living history and understand the roots of Islamic civilization in Egypt.

Conclusion: A Living Legacy of Faith

The Amr Ibn El Aas Mosque is more than a monument — it is a living symbol of Egypt’s soul. For nearly fourteen centuries, it has echoed with the call to prayer, welcomed generations of believers, and stood witness to Egypt’s transformation from ancient empire to Islamic civilization.

Its walls tell stories of conquest and compassion, faith and renewal. As the oldest mosque in Africa, it continues to inspire awe and devotion in all who visit.

Standing beneath its arches, you don’t just see stone and history — you feel the heartbeat of a civilization that embraced faith, learning, and unity.

Discover the Amr Ibn El Aas Mosque in Cairo — walk through history, embrace peace, and experience the spiritual heart of Islamic Egypt. Visit today and witness where it all began!