The Conqueror of Andalusia Thariq ibn Ziyad Thariq Bin Ziyad is one of the most admired heroes of the muslim world. He lead the muslim army to invade and conquer Spain. Islamic Spain was known as Andalusia with a feeling of romantic nostalgic fever in every muslim. It was in Andalusia where muslim genius for arts, sciences, architecture and civic sense flourished, at least 500 years ahead of rest of Europe at that time. The library of Cordova is referred to by Muslims as one of the treasures of modern history, unfortunately lost to a barbaric force bent on destruction. The Alhambra palace is a piece of architectural gem as much as a symbol of passion in literature. The general in charge of the Muslim army was Tarek Bin Ziyad. The rock of Gibraltar was named after him (Jab al Tarek). Below is a text of his speech to his soldiers just before his famous war. Some say that he had all the s...