Can you please help me in finding out when the first mention of “Misr” in regards to Egypt was recorded in hadith literature. Are there any hadiths which refer to Egypt as “Misr” at the time of our Prophet (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) or was it named “Misr” after our Prophet (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) passed away?
You seem to want to ascertain when was Egypt referred to as “Misr”. Egypt is referred to as “Misr” approximately five times in the Holy Quran:
1) Surah 2 verse: 61
2) Surah 10 verse: 87
3) Surah 12 verse: 21
4) Surah 12 verse: 99
5) Surah 43 verse: 61
Egypt is also referred to as “Misr” in the Sirah of Nabi (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam).
(See Al Bidayah Wan Nihayah, vol. 3 pg. 371)
‘Allamah Yaqut Al Hamawi (rahimahullah) mentions that “Misr” is named after the third descendant of Nuh (‘alayhis salam).
(Mu’jamul Buldan, vol 5 pg. 160)
This shows that the area was called “Misr” from ancient times.
However the geographical boundaries of “Misr” is bound to have changed through the passage of time.
And Allah Ta’ala Knows best
Answered by: Moulana Suhail Motala
Approved by: Moulana Muhammad Abasoomar
Checked by: Moulana Haroon Abasoomar