Ramadan is commemorated as a month of significant conquests in Islamic history, highlighted by the military expedition that led to the establishment of Muslim rule in Andalusia.
The article reflects on the historical significance of Ramadan, emphasizing it as a month associated with important Muslim victories, starting from the Battle of Badr during the time of the Prophet Muhammad to the victories achieved during the caliphate. In particular, it focuses on the military campaign led by Musa ibn Nusayr that began in Ramadan of 91 AH, which ultimately paved the way for the establishment of a Muslim civilization in Andalusia that lasted for eight centuries.
It recounts how, after settling in Morocco, Muslim forces set their sights on the other side of the Mediterranean, targeting a divided and weakened Andalusia under the rule of King Roderic. The leadership of Musa ibn Nusayr, encouraged by the resentful governor of Ceuta, Julian, led to a strategic invasion aimed at liberating the populace from oppressive taxation and slavery. This pivotal moment not only marked the beginning of a long-lasting Muslim presence in the Iberian Peninsula but also initiated a period of cultural and scientific flourishing in Andalusia.
The implications of this historical event resonate in contemporary times, as the collective memory of Muslim conquests is celebrated and reflected upon, reminding communities of their legacy during Ramadan. The article serves to reconnect modern readers with their historical roots, illustrating the profound impacts of these conquests on the cultural and religious landscape of the region now known as Spain, and the pivotal role Ramadan played in initiating this transformative chapter in Islamic history.
