The University of Al Quaraouiyine the Oldest University in the World located at Fez, Morocco

Historical Significance

Founding and Early Years:

• Founder: Fatima al-Fihri, also known as “Umm al-Banayn.”
• Establishment Year: 859 AD.
• Initial Purpose: Originally founded as a madrasa (Islamic school) attached to a mosque, Al Quaraouiyine quickly grew into a major center for Islamic learning.

The University of Al Quaraouiyine in Fez, Morocco, holds the distinction of being the oldest university in the world. Established initially as a mosque in 859, it evolved to become one of the preeminent spiritual and educational hubs during the Islamic Golden Age.

Fatima bint Muhammad Al-Fihriya Al-Qurashiya (فاطمة بنت محمد الفهرية القرشية‎) founded the world’s first university in 895 CE in Fez, which is now in Morocco. She is more usually known simply as Fatima al-Fihri and when she and her sister inherited their father’s wealth she used her share to found The University of Al Qarawiynn

Throughout its long history, the university has played a pivotal role in the development of global Islamic education and has been a significant influence on intellectual and cultural traditions.

Growth and Influence:

• The university became a beacon of knowledge, attracting scholars and students from across the Islamic world and beyond. It played a crucial role in the intellectual life of the Muslim world during the medieval period.
• Al Quaraouiyine was not just a religious school; it covered a broad spectrum of subjects, including mathematics, astronomy, medicine, and philosophy.

In 1963, the University of Al Quaraouiyine officially became part of Morocco’s modern state university system, solidifying its status as the oldest continuously operating university globally. The institution is renowned for its emphasis on Islamic religious and legal sciences, with a particular focus on Classical Arabic grammar and linguistics, as well as Maliki law.

Academic Contributions

Curriculum:

• The curriculum at Al Quaraouiyine has historically included a wide range of disciplines, with a strong emphasis on Islamic theology, jurisprudence, grammar, rhetoric, logic, medicine, mathematics, astronomy, chemistry, history, geography, and music.

Prominent Scholars:

• The university has been associated with many notable scholars, including:
  • Ibn Khaldun: The famous historian and philosopher who is often considered one of the forerunners of modern sociology and historiography.
  • Al-Idrisi: The renowned geographer and cartographer who created one of the most detailed maps of the medieval world.
  • Averroes (Ibn Rushd): The influential Andalusian philosopher and thinker who played a crucial role in the transmission of Aristotelian philosophy to medieval Europe.

Modern Era

Integration into the Moroccan Education System:

• In 1963, Al Quaraouiyine was integrated into the modern state university system of Morocco. This integration allowed it to continue its traditional role while also embracing modern educational practices.

Current Status:

• Today, the University of Al Quaraouiyine remains an important center for Islamic studies and Moroccan culture. It offers degrees in various fields and continues to attract students from around the world.

Library:

• The university is home to one of the world’s oldest libraries, which houses an invaluable collection of ancient manuscripts and documents. The library was recently renovated, and its treasures include works on various subjects, written in multiple languages.

Cultural and Architectural Heritage

Architectural Splendor:

• The Al Quaraouiyine Mosque and University complex is renowned for its beautiful Islamic architecture. The intricate tile work, carved wood, and expansive courtyards exemplify traditional Moroccan design.
• The mosque itself, which remains a functioning place of worship, is one of the largest and most historically significant mosques in Africa.

Conclusion

The University of Al Quaraouiyine stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of Islamic scholarship and education. As the world’s oldest continuously operating university, it embodies the rich cultural and intellectual heritage of Morocco. Through centuries of change, it has remained a beacon of learning, symbolizing the deep historical roots and ongoing vitality of education in the Islamic world.

Beyond its academic contributions, the university is housed in a mosque building that incorporates architectural elements from various periods in Moroccan history. This structure has become a notable landmark, reflecting the rich cultural and historical tapestry of the region. The University of Al Quaraouiyine stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of educational and cultural institutions that have shaped the intellectual landscape for centuries.

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