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Questions and Answers
What was the original purpose of Amr's mosque?
What was the approximate capacity of Amr's mosque?
What material was used to build the walls of Amr's mosque?
What feature was added to Amr's mosque in 673?
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What was the orientation of the qibla wall in Amr's mosque?
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What was the likely origin of the mosque's stepped form?
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What was the material used for the roof of Amr's mosque?
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How many cubits separated the house of 'Amr from the road?
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What was unique about the mosque's ceiling?
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Who determined the direction of the mihrab to the Qiblah?
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What was 'Umar's instruction regarding the pulpit minbar?
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Who made the first addition to the mosque in the Ummayad period?
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What was the direction in which the mosque was enlarged by 'Abd al-'Aziz ibn Marwan, the governor of Egypt?
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Who ordered the destruction and rebuilding of the mosque in 93AH/712AD?
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What was added to the mosque by Qurrah ibn Šurayk besides the mihrab?
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In which year did 'Abd al-'Aziz ibn Marwan, the governor of Egypt, enlarge the mosque?
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What was the shape of the mihrab constructed by Qurrah ibn Šurayk?
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What was the material used to decorate the mosque?
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Study Notes
Overview of Amr’s Mosque
- Established in winter of 641–2 as a neighborhood mosque for Ahl ar Raya quarter in Fustat, not intended as a congregational mosque.
- Original dimensions: 50 by 30 cubits, accommodating a maximum of 700 men, contrary to an estimated army size of 12,000 at that time.
- Construction mirrored the original Prophet's Mosque in Medina, using mud-brick and palm trunks.
Architectural Features
- Structure was free-standing with mud-brick walls and six entrances across three sides.
- Qibla wall lacked a mihrab niche; four inserted columns indicated its direction.
- Roof supported by palm trunks and split palm beams, covered with mud-dabbed fronds.
- Lacked a minaret and courtyard; floor was covered with pebbles.
Early Modifications
- Enlarged in 673 by governor Maslama under Mu’awiya’s orders to accommodate the entire Muslim population.
- Added corner minarets perceived as simple towers with external staircases.
- External surroundings included a road; two doors on the northern side adjacent to ‘Amr's house.
Prayer Features
- Ceiling was low; there was no open courtyard or minaret.
- Flat prayer niche (mihrab) deviated toward the east; determined by 80 Sahabah of prophet Muḥammad (PBUH).
- ‘Amr ibn al-‘As placed a minbar but was instructed by ‘Umar to lower it after completion; it was reinstated later.
Subsequent Renovations
- First major addition during Ummayad period (53AH/673AD) by Masalama ibn Muhallad al-Ansārī.
- Enlargement involved enclosing ‘Amr's house and adding to the mosque’s western section; decorated walls and ceilings.
- Introduced straw mats inside the mosque.
Continued Expansions
- 79AH/698AD: ‘Abd al-‘Aziz ibn Marwan oversaw removal of walls, further expansion to the south and elevated ceiling.
- 93AH/712AD: Qurrah ibn Šurayk ordered complete destruction and rebuild, enlarging the mosque from the east and north, including 'Amr's house.
- Constructed a new concave mihrab and a wooden minbar, replacing previous structures.
Final Modifications
- The mosque underwent multiple additions and restorations, with the latest modifications mirroring styles from Medina.
- Notable features included gilded capitals on four columns flanking the mihrab and a total of 11 doorways added, enhancing access.
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Description
Learn about the history and architecture of Amr's Mosque, a neighbourhood mosque built in Fustat in 641-2. Discover its dimensions, construction, and capacity. Explore the early Islamic period and its significance.
