Qarawiyin University
Etymology and Translation
- Arabic: جامعة القرويين (Jāmiʿat al-Qarawiyyīn)
- Turkish: Karaviyyin Üniversitesi
Historical Background
Qarawiyin University, associated with the mosque of the same name in Fez, Morocco, was founded in 859 by a pious woman named Fatimah bint Muhammad al-Fihri. Al-Fihri allocated her inheritance to build this institution, making it a pivotal center for Islamic education and scholarly activity.
Educational System
Initially, Qarawiyin followed an open system of education, where religious disciplines such as Fiqh (Islamic jurisprudence), Hadith (traditions of the Prophet Muhammad), and Qur’anic studies were taught. Academically ambitious, the institution also offered studies in natural sciences such as medicine, astronomy, and mathematics.
Key Transformations
- 1789 Education Regulation: Enforced a formal educational framework.
- 1931 Reorganization: Structured into three divisions: primary, secondary, and higher levels. Further inclusivity was introduced with the addition of a section for girls.
- Post-Independence (1956 onwards): Qarayiyin came under the Moroccan Ministry of Education and was restructured into separate faculties: Shariah, Arabic Studies, and Theology.
Academic Contributions and Achievements
Qarawiyin University holds the distinction of being the oldest continuously operating degree-granting university in the world. Its library is a testament to its scholarly heritage, housing a rich collection of rare manuscripts and historical documents vital for Islamic studies.
Suggested Books for Further Studies
- “The University in Medieval Life: 1179–1499” by Hunt Janin
- “Philosophy in the Islamic World” by Peter Adamson
- “Madrasa: Education, Religion, and State in Contemporary Muslim Societies” by Solomon Dindyal
Takeaways
- The Qarawiyin University emphasizes the crucial cultural, religious, and educational contributions of women in Islamic history.
- It exemplifies the traditional Islamic interdisciplinary approach where religious and secular sciences coexist and complement each other.
- The institution’s evolution reflects the broader shifts in Moroccan educational and political history, from its independence to its modern-day structure.
Conclusion
Qarawiyin University stands as a monument to scholarly pursuit in the Islamic world. Its establishment by Fatimah al-Fihri symbolizes the important role women have played in the inception of educational institutions. As it merges traditional Islamic scholarship with contemporary pedagogical methods, Qarawiyin continues to serve as a beacon of knowledge and culture.
