Introduction

Many people believe that the first university in the world started in Europe. Famous institutions like Oxford or Bologna are often mentioned in history. However, this idea is not completely correct. The earliest university actually appeared in the Islamic world, in Fez, Morocco.

The University of Al-Qarawiyyin is known as the oldest university that is still operating today. It was founded in the 9th century by a Muslim woman named Fatima Al-Fihri. Her contribution shows that women also played an important role in the development of education.

Historical Background

In the past, the city of Fez was a growing center of culture, trade, and knowledge. Many people from different regions moved there, including from North Africa and Andalusia. Because of this, the city needed more places for worship and education.

Fatima Al-Fihri came from a wealthy and religious family. After her father passed away, she received a large inheritance. Instead of using it for herself, she decided to build a mosque for the community. This mosque later became the foundation of a university.

From Mosque to University

At the beginning, learning activities at Al-Qarawiyyin focused on Islamic studies, such as the Qur’an and religious law. Over time, the subjects expanded into many different fields. Students could learn mathematics, astronomy, medicine, language, and even music.

This development shows that education at that time was already broad and not limited to religion only. The system also became more organized, with teaching, discussions, and research activities. Because of this, Al-Qarawiyyin is considered one of the earliest examples of a university.

Contribution to Knowledge

Al-Qarawiyyin became an important center for learning. Scholars from different parts of the world came to study and share ideas. The university helped develop many areas of knowledge, especially science and philosophy.

It also has one of the oldest libraries in the world, with many valuable manuscripts. These texts helped preserve knowledge and support future generations of scholars.

Many important figures studied at this university. One of them is Ibn Khaldun, who is known as the father of sociology. Another is Ibn Rushd, a philosopher who influenced both Islamic and European thought.

Other scholars include Ibn Arabi and Maimonides. The presence of scholars from different religions shows that the university was open and inclusive.

Global Recognition

Today, the University of Al-Qarawiyyin is recognized internationally as the oldest existing university that is still in use. It has been acknowledged by global organizations such as UNESCO and the Guinness World Records.

This recognition proves that the Islamic world made important contributions to global education, even before European universities were established.

Funding System

The university was first built using Fatima Al-Fihri’s personal wealth. Later, it was supported by different sources, including donations, government support, and community contributions.

One important system used was waqf, which is a type of charitable donation. This system allowed the university to continue operating for a long time. Interestingly, this idea later influenced the “endowment” system used in many Western universities today.

Conclusion

The University of Al-Qarawiyyin is not only the oldest university in the world, but also an important symbol of intellectual history. It shows that the Islamic world played a major role in the development of education.

Fatima Al-Fihri’s contribution is especially meaningful because it highlights the role of women in education. Even though her name is not widely known, her legacy continues to influence the world today.

Understanding this history helps us see that modern education is the result of contributions from many cultures and civilizations.

References

Abdouni, H. (2021). The first university in the world: Al-Quarawiyine University. MAS Journal of Applied Sciences, 6(3), 789–795. http://dx.doi.org/10.52520/masjaps.108