The 19th of Ramadan has witnessed significant historical events across different eras. In 92 AH, Tariq ibn Ziyad expanded his conquests in Al-Andalus. In 784 AH, Sultan Al-Zahir Barquq was pledged allegiance as the ruler of Egypt and Sham. Additionally, a major naval battle took place between the Omanis and the Portuguese in the early 16th century CE.
Tariq ibn Ziyad Expands in Al-Andalus
In 92 AH (711 CE), the Muslim commander Tariq ibn Ziyad continued his expansion in Spain during the Islamic conquest of the Iberian Peninsula, which later became known as Al-Andalus.
Ramadan played a pivotal role in the conquest of Al-Andalus. After crossing the strait into the Iberian Peninsula and landing at what is now known as Gibraltar, Tariq ibn Ziyad advanced deeper into the land, capturing fortresses, strongholds, and key cities, including Cartagena and Algeciras.
He then marched westward to the valley of the Guadalete River, setting camp near the battlefield where the decisive encounter took place on 28 Ramadan 92 AH. Tariq’s forces triumphed over the Visigothic army, killing their king Roderic and dismantling their power.
Following his victory, Tariq proceeded to Toledo, the fortified capital of the Visigoths. However, after suffering significant losses in his army, he wrote to Musa ibn Nusayr, requesting reinforcements.
In Ramadan of the following year (93 AH / June 712 CE), Musa ibn Nusayr personally led a large army and arrived in Algeciras, advancing through several cities before uniting with Tariq ibn Ziyad to consolidate Islamic rule in the region.
Sultan Barquq: Ruler of Egypt and Sham
On 19 Ramadan 784 AH (1382 CE), Sultan Al-Zahir Sayf al-Din Barquq was pledged allegiance as the Mamluk Sultan, marking the beginning of the Burji dynasty, which ruled over Egypt and Sham (Greater Syria).
Barquq was originally of Circassian descent and arrived in Cairo in his early twenties as a soldier in the Mamluk army. Excelling in combat and horsemanship, he rose through the ranks to become Amir Tablkhana (Master of Ceremonies), then Amir Akhur (responsible for the Sultan’s stables and cavalry), and later attained the position of Atabeg (military governor).
Barquq seized the throne by overthrowing Sultan Al-Salih Hajji, a young puppet ruler, and officially assumed power on 19 Ramadan. He established alliances with the Ottomans to counter the growing Mongol threat from the east.
Despite facing multiple attempts to remove him, one coup succeeded in 791 AH (1391 CE). He was deposed, exiled to Karak Fortress in Jordan, and imprisoned. However, with the help of loyal allies, Barquq escaped captivity, regained control, and reclaimed the throne in 792 AH (1392 CE) after defeating his adversaries.
The Naval Battle Between Oman and Portugal
On 19 Ramadan 1121 AH (1710 CE), a naval battle took place between the Omani fleet and the Portuguese navy, during which the Omani forces retreated to Ras Al-Khaimah.
The Portuguese invasion of Oman began in 1507 CE, and their occupation of Muscat, Sohar, and other coastal cities lasted from 1506 to 1650 CE.
However, the Omanis resisted the occupation, leading to the rise of Imam Nasir bin Murshid Al-Yaarubi, the founder of the Yaarubi dynasty. He was chosen by scholars, military leaders, and religious figures to lead the resistance against the Portuguese.
Imam Nasir mobilized his army, launched attacks against the Portuguese, and successfully captured fortresses and key cities, including Nakhal, Izki, and Nizwa. His leadership eventually united all of Oman, forcing the Portuguese to retreat from most regions, although they retained control over a few heavily fortified coastal areas.
