Events Occurred on the Sixth of Ramadan

The sixth day of Ramadan has been marked by pivotal historical events, including major Islamic conquests, tragic incidents, and the passing of influential figures. Below is an overview of the most significant occurrences on this day:

The Conquest of Sindh – 683 CE

On the sixth day of Ramadan in 63 AH, Muhammad bin Qasim al-Thaqafi achieved a decisive victory over the forces of the Hindu King Dahir near the Indus River. This marked the successful Islamic conquest of Sindh (modern-day Pakistan).

Sindh had been the target of earlier Muslim expeditions during the caliphates of Uthman ibn Affan, Ali ibn Abi Talib, and Muawiya ibn Abi Sufyan, but these efforts failed. The situation escalated when pirates from Sindh captured Muslim ships, taking goods, sailors, and women hostage.

Hajjaj bin Yusuf, the Umayyad governor of Iraq, sent envoys to demand the release of the captives. When the king refused, Hajjaj prepared a well-equipped army under his young but skilled relative, Muhammad bin Qasim.

With an army of 20,000 soldiers, advanced weaponry, and catapults, Muhammad bin Qasim launched his campaign. He defeated the Sindhi forces on the sixth day of Ramadan, capturing their capital and extending Islamic rule into the region. This conquest established Islam in Sindh and Punjab, laying the foundation for the Islamic presence in South Asia, which endures to this day.

The Siege and Conquest of Amorium – 838 CE

The Battle of Amorium, one of the most significant conflicts between the Abbasid Caliphate and the Byzantine Empire, took place on the sixth day of Ramadan in 223 AH.

Amorium was a heavily fortified Byzantine city in western Anatolia, known for its strategic and military importance. In 829 CE, Emperor Theophilos launched attacks on Muslim territories, breaking a peace treaty. He supported rebels like Babak Khorramdin, who destabilized the Abbasid frontiers. Theophilos also raided and destroyed Muslim cities such as Malatya, killing and enslaving thousands.

In response, Caliph Al-Mu’tasim assembled a massive army and personally led the campaign against Amorium. He rejected Theophilos’ offers of peace and marched with his forces, laying siege to the city. Using advanced siege weapons like catapults, the Abbasid forces breached Amorium’s defenses after 11 days of fighting, capturing the city on the 17th of Ramadan 223 AH (12 August 838 CE).

The conquest of Amorium was a significant victory, avenging earlier Byzantine attacks and solidifying Abbasid control in the region.

The Burning of Fustat – 1169 CE

On the sixth day of Ramadan in 564 AH, the historic city of Fustat (modern-day Cairo), founded by Amr ibn al-As, was engulfed in flames.

The fire was set deliberately by Shawar ibn Mujir al-Sa’di, the vizier of the Fatimid Caliph Al-Adid, as a defensive measure against the advancing Crusader army led by King Amalric I of Jerusalem. Shawar’s drastic action left the city in ruins, forcing its inhabitants to flee in despair.

The Crusaders eventually withdrew after 54 days, but Fustat had been devastated, with its buildings, markets, and homes reduced to ashes. The event marked a tragic chapter in the city’s history.

Revealing of the Torah to Prophet Musa

Islamic tradition narrates that the Torah was revealed to Prophet Musa (peace be upon him) on the sixth day of Ramadan. This day is celebrated as a reminder of Allah’s guidance sent to humanity through His prophets.

Significant Deaths

The sixth day of Ramadan is also remembered for the passing of several notable figures in Islamic and modern history:

• • Abu Talib ibn Abd al-Muttalib: The uncle of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and father of Ali ibn Abi Talib.

• • Abu al-Qasim al-Jurjani: A famous Fatimid vizier, known for his leadership and contributions to the Fatimid Caliphate, passed away in 436 AH.

• • Al-Rashid Billah Abu Ja’far: An Abbasid caliph, assassinated by a group of Ismaili Batinis on this day.

• • Khedive Ismail: The fifth ruler of the Muhammad Ali dynasty in Egypt, died on the sixth day of Ramadan in 1312 AH (1895 CE).

• • Marshal Mohammed Abdul Halim Abu Ghazala: Egypt’s former Minister of Defense, passed away in 2008 CE.

• • Abdul Aziz al-Hakim: An Iraqi religious and political leader, died in 2009 CE.

• • Ghazi al-Qusaibi: A renowned Saudi poet and diplomat, passed away in 2010 CE.

The sixth day of Ramadan is thus remembered as a day of triumphs, sacrifices, and significant changes in Islamic and global history, demonstrating the enduring legacy of these events.