The mosque was founded by the great companion Amr Ibn Al'As in year 21 AH upon his conquest of Egypt in the year 20 AH, under the orders of the second Caliph, Umar Ibn Al-Khattab (may Allah be pleased with them all). At that time, the capital was the city of Al-Fustat. 

It is known as the "Crown of Mosques" and the "Ancient Mosque." 

Despite renovations over the centuries, it has retained its Islamic architecture and features a large open courtyard.
 Notable scholars who delivered sermons there include Al-Shafi'i, Ibn Hisham (the author of the Prophet’s biography), and Muhammad Al-Ghazali.