Muhammad bin Qasim Al-Thaqafi (c. 31 December 695–18 July 715) is an Umayyad general who conquers the Sindh and Punjab regions along the Indus River (now a part of Pakistan) for the Umayyad Caliphate.

He was born and raised in the city of Taif (in modern day Saudi Arabia).

Qasim's conquest of Sindh and Punjab enables further Islamic expansion into South Asia.

A member of the Thaqeef tribe of the Ta'if region, Muhammad bin Qasim's father died when Muhammad bin Qasim was young, leaving his mother in charge of his education.

Umayyad governor Al-Hajjaj Ibn Yusuf Al-Thaqafi, Muhammad bin Qasim's paternal uncle, is instrumental in teaching Muhammad bin Qasim about warfare and governance.

Muhammad bin Qasim marries his cousin Zubaidah, Hajjaj's daughter, shortly before going to Sindh.

Under Hajjaj's patronage, Muhammad bin Qasim is made governor of Persia.

Due to his close relationship with Hajjaj, Bin Qasim is executed after the accession of Caliph Sulayman ibn Abd al-Malik.