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Practice these MCQs in the appQuick fact: The first Islamic navy was established on the Mediterranean Sea during the caliphate of Umar (R.A).
The first Islamic navy was established during the caliphate of Umar (R.A) when Muslims needed to defend their coastal territories against Byzantine naval attacks. The Mediterranean Sea became the base for this naval force, which later expanded significantly under Caliph Usman (R.A), who appointed Muawiya (R.A) as the governor of Syria and tasked him with building a strong fleet. The first major naval battle fought by this Muslim fleet was the Battle of Dhat al-Sawari (Battle of the Masts) in 655 CE against the Byzantine navy.
Before the establishment of the Islamic navy, Muslims were primarily a land-based military power. The need for a naval force arose due to the Byzantine Empire's dominance in the Mediterranean, which posed a threat to newly conquered coastal regions like Syria and Egypt. Caliph Umar (R.A) was initially hesitant about naval expeditions but later permitted them after being convinced by Muawiya (R.A). The Muslim navy went on to become one of the most formidable forces in the Mediterranean, eventually capturing islands like Cyprus and Rhodes.
