645CE
The defeat 0f the Byzantine naval force off Alexandria
The Byzantines, supported by their fleet, attempted to recapture Egypt through Alexandria but were beaten off, bringing the Byzantine influence in Egypt permanently to an end.
647CE
The Muslim conquest of Tripolltania
Abdullah ibn Sad, the new governor of Egypt, led a strong attack on north Africa and destroyed the Byzantine army Sbeitla [southern Tunisia] after severe days of fighting Gregory, the Byzantine governor, was Killed and Tripoli was subjected to a large payment of a tribute However Abdullah returned to Egypt without making any attempt to consolidate the conquest, the Byzantine reoccupied the abandoned territories soon afterwards.
649CE
The creation of the Muslim navy
Muawiyah ibn Abi Sufyan [RA] , governor of Syria was one of the first to realise the full importance of having a navy; as long as the Byzantine fleet could sail the Mediterranean unopposed, the coastline of Syria, Palestine and Egypt would never be safe. He, together with Abdullah ibn Sad [RA], governor of Egypt successfully persuaded Uthman [RA] to give them permission to construct a fleet. As a result, a large fleet was built in the dockyards of Egypt and Syria. While the fighting men were Muslims, the fleet was manned by Copts who being Monophysite Christians, did not hesitate to serve against the Greeks. This achievement of building a naval force was of lasting importance for the Muslims, opening a new avenue of conquests.
This article was culled from the publications of Deen Communication Limited