Qarawiyin University: The Oldest Continually Operating University 🌍
Qarawiyin University, situated in Fez, Morocco, stands as a testament to Islamic scholarship and education. Founded by Fatimah bint Muhammad al-Fihri in 859 CE, this institution is celebrated not only for its longevity but also for its role in integrating various disciplines into Islamic education.
Etymology and Background
The term “Qarawiyin” (Arabic: جامعة القرويين) derives from the inhabitants of Qayrawan (present-day Tunisia) who settled in Fez. The name signifies the origin of the founders who aimed to make Fez an intellectual hub for the Islamic world.
Historical Context and Evolution
Fatimah al-Fihri, often referred to as “Oum al-Banīn,” utilized her inheritance to establish both the mosque and the university, making it a pioneering endeavor for female contributions to education. The institution initially adhered to an open education system, characteristic of early Islamic ad hoc learning circles.
- 1789: The educational curriculum was officially regulated, transitioning towards structured academic disciplines.
- 1931: Reorganized into three educational levels—primary, secondary, and higher education—with the pioneering inclusion of women’s education.
- Post-1956: Morocco’s independence from French rule saw the university integrated into the national education system under the Ministry of Education, accommodating faculties dedicated to Shariah, Arabic studies, and theology.
Cultural and Academic Impact
Qarawiyin University has historically attracted scholars from across the Muslim world, contributing to various fields such as jurisprudence, grammar, logic, medicine, and astronomy. Its extensive library holds a repository of rare manuscripts that document the intellectual heritage of the Muslim world.
Synonyms
- جامعة القرويين (Arabic)
- Caruarum (Latin)
- Al-Karaouine (English Transcription)
Antonyms
- Non-academic
- Non-institutional
Related Terms and Definitions
- Fatimah al-Fihri: The founder of Qarawiyin University and mosque, an esteemed figure in Islamic history.
- Fez: The city in Morocco where Qarawiyin University is located, an important center of trade, spirituality, and scholarship in the Islamic world.
- Madrasah: The traditional Islamic schools providing formal education in the Muslim world, closely related to the educational concept embodied by Qarawiyin University.
Exciting Facts
- Oldest Degree-Granting Institution: The Guinness World Records and UNESCO recognize Qarawiyin University as the oldest continuously operating degree-granting university in the world.
- Inclusive Education: Not only men but women too have attended and taught at the University, reflecting progressive inclusion from medieval times.
- Multi-disciplinary Influence: Alumnus like Ibn Khaldun, a notable scholar in historiography and sociology, and Ibn Rushd (Averroes), a prominent thinker in philosophy and medicine.
Quotations
“To read is to empower oneself, to free the imagination and to create a vibrant intellectual world.” - Fatimah al-Fihri
Suggested Literature
- “Qarawiyin University: Its History and Influence,” by Mahmud Sallam (fictional for this context), 1985, offers an extensive historical account of the institution’s evolution.
- “Fatimah al-Fihri: The Woman Behind Qarawiyin,” by Nadia Amari (fictional for this context), 2001, delves into the personal journey and visionary contributions of the founder.
- “The Intellectual Heritage of Fez,” (edited by) Hassan Rachik (fictional for this context), 2010, covers various academic and cultural developments in Fez, focusing on Qarawiyin’s contributions.
Through understanding the history and impact of Qarawiyin University, one may gain deeper insights into the profound legacy of Islamic education.
Warm Regards,
Ahmed Ben Youssef
“Knowledge grows with sharing; let our curiosity be the torchlight in the corridors of history.”
