a.d. 635.—Gaza fell into the hands of Abu-Bekr, the general of the first Khalif, Omar, after a decisive battle with the Byzantine army. It was one of the first points of attack during this invasion, and about this date the city became Muslim.
The city was regarded as an important place by the Muslims, because Hashim ibn Abd Manaf, Mohammed's grandfather was buried there. About this date we hear little more of Muslim Gaza, except as its being the birthplace of Mohammed ibn Idris ash-Shâfiy, the founder of a Muslim sect, and the Great Doctor of the Law.
About the end of the sixth century, or the beginning of the seventh, Robinson (Biblical Researches in Palestine, vol. ii, p. 42) states that "Gaza was visited by Antoninus Martyr, who describes it as splendid and delicious; and its inhabitants as noble, liberal, and friendly to strangers."
a.d. 672.—Gaza was visited by a great earthquake.
a.d. 796.—The city was laid waste during a furious civil war among the various Arab tribes inhabiting the country.
During the many wars between the Muslim rulers of Egypt and Syria, which preceded the Crusades, Gaza again suffered greatly.
a.d. 867.—Bernard the Wise—a Breton monk—describes Gaza as "very rich in all things."
a.d. 1149.—Baldwin III built a fortress at Gaza, in order to cut off the approach to Ascalon from the south.
The defence of the castle was entrusted to the Knights Templars.