Muhammad ibn Qasim al-Thaqafi (72-98 AH / 695-715 CE) was an Umayyad military commander who led the Muslim conquest of Sindh and parts of Punjab at the remarkably young age of 17. His campaign in 93 AH / 711 CE marked the beginning of Islamic civilisation in the Indian subcontinent. He established just governance in the conquered territories, allowing religious freedom to the local population. The conquest opened the door for the spread of Islam in South Asia, making him one of the most significant figures in the region's Islamic history.