Arab Conquest and Expansion During the Rashidun Caliphate: Key Sources and Insights

Between 636 and 641 CE, the Muslim armies of the Rashidun Caliphate, led by ʿUmar ibn al-Khaṭṭāb, successfully conquered Palestine, marking a pivotal moment in the region's history. This conquest was part of a broader military campaign in the Levant, which ultimately led to the end of Byzantine rule in the area. Following the conquest, Palestine was integrated into the province of Bilad al-Sham, and two military districts were established: Jund Filastin and Jund al-Urdunn. The new Muslim rulers implemented Islamic administrative and legal systems, which facilitated governance while allowing for the coexistence of various religious and cultural communities. The establishment of a new city, Ramlah, symbolized the Islamic presence in the region. This period marked the beginning of Islamic governance in Palestine, which would continue under various Islamic dynasties for centuries. The conquest of Palestine was not only significant for the spread of Islam but also for the cultural and political transformations that shaped the region's future.