Did Amr ibn al-'As, may Allah be pleased with him, burn down the the Library of Alexandria?
Source: FtawySummary from Ftawy's records · added here Sep 2, 2026
The ancient Library of Alexandria, about whose founding narratives differ, witnessed a massive fire in 48 BC by Julius Caesar, and then was burned again in the fourth century AD by Christians. As for the narrative that accuses Amr ibn al-Aas of burning the library, it is fabricated and false. It has been refuted by Western and Arab thinkers, who confirm the innocence of Muslims from this act.
Summary from Ftawy's records · added here
Reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
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- Summary from Ftawy's records, reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
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- Read the full answer on Ftawy