Person

Al-Walid I

الوليد بن عبد الملك
d. 715 CE Quraysh

Al-Walid I expanded Umayyad territory to its largest extent, oversaw conquests in North Africa and Hispania, and built the Great Mosque of Damascus.

Significance

Umayyad caliph who expanded the empire to its greatest extent and commissioned major architectural works

Reputation in tradition

praised

Stated motivation

Expand the caliphate and consolidate Islamic rule
Sources: Wikipedia and classical Islamic biographical literature compiled by automated researchers. Every page is being continuously refined — if something looks off, please check back in a few days.