Uqba Ibn Nafi Al-Fihri and His Role in The Liberation of The Maghreb (50–63 AH / 670–683 AD)

Abstract

This research examines the biography of the Islamic commander Uqba ibn Nafi al-Fihri (may God be pleased with him) and his pivotal role in completing the liberation of North Africa and consolidating Islam there during the Umayyad era. It begins by presenting the geographical and demographic context of the region, highlighting the most important population and religious forces present at the time. It then reviews the efforts of Muslim commanders who preceded Uqba, such as Amr ibn al-As, Abdullah ibn Saad ibn Abi Sarh, and Muawiyah ibn Hudayj (may God be pleased with them), in paving the way for the conquest and confronting the Byzantine Romans and the revolts of some Berber tribes. The research focuses on Uqba's two governorships of Ifriqiya (North Africa), emphasizing his military personality and leadership acumen, particularly in founding the city of Kairouan in 50 AH/670 AD as a permanent military and cultural base to ensure the stability of the Islamic presence. It also discusses his extensive campaigns in the central and western Maghreb, reaching as far as the Atlantic Ocean, before his martyrdom in 63 AH/683 CE at the Battle of Tahuda. Following the alliance of the Berber leader Kusayla with the Romans, he is considered one of the most prominent leaders of the Islamic conquest who contributed to establishing Islam in the Maghreb.