Fleet Size and Ships
Historical records and oral traditions describe Abubakr’s fleet as consisting of dozens of ships of varying sizes:
- Large trading dhows equipped for long voyages.
- Smaller escort and scout vessels.
Objectives of the Expedition
The fleet’s missions varied depending on the era and leadership but often included:
- Establishing trade routes.
- Protecting Muslim merchant interests.
- Projecting military power or responding to threats.
The Voyage and Challenges Faced
Navigational Difficulties
- Maritime technology of the time relied on celestial navigation, coastal piloting, and monsoon winds.
- Storms, unpredictable weather, and pirates posed constant threats.
Political and Military Opposition
- Regional powers like Byzantines, Indian kingdoms, and later Portuguese colonial forces challenged Muslim fleets.
- Naval battles and sieges were common. shutdown123