While many people assume Oxford or Cambridge holds the title of the world’s oldest university, the distinction belongs to Al Quaraouiyine in Fez, Morocco, founded in 859 CE. This ancient institution predates Oxford University by more than two centuries and continues to operate as a fully functioning university today.
Al Quaraouiyine stands as a testament to the golden age of Islamic learning, transforming from a modest mosque-school into a prestigious center of education. The university’s remarkable journey spans over 1,160 years, making it not just the oldest existing university but also a living chronicle of educational evolution.
This article explores Al Quaraouiyine’s fascinating history, from its humble beginnings as a vision of Fatima al-Fihri to its current status as a modern institution that bridges classical Islamic education with contemporary academic standards.
In the bustling city of Fez during the early 9th century, a remarkable story of vision and dedication began to unfold. Born into a wealthy merchant family in Qayrawan, Tunisia, Fatima al-Fihri would later become the architect of an educational legacy that continues to inspire generations 1.
After migrating to Fez with her family, Fatima received an excellent education in Islamic jurisprudence and hadith from her father, Mohammed Bnou Abdullah al-Fihri 1. Following the deaths of her father and husband, she inherited a substantial fortune. Rather than using this wealth for personal comfort, Fatima made a remarkable decision that would change the course of educational history 2.
The construction of Al Quaraouiyine began at the start of Ramadan in 859 CE 1. Fatima personally supervised every aspect of the building project, despite having no formal expertise in construction 1. Her dedication was so profound that she fasted throughout the entire construction period, which lasted approximately two years 3.
The initial structure included:
Fatima’s vision extended beyond creating just another mosque. She established Al Quaraouiyine as a center for both religious worship and academic pursuit 3. The institution initially focused on Islamic studies but soon expanded its curriculum to include:
What set Al Quaraouiyine apart was Fatima’s commitment to accessible education – all courses were provided without charge 5. Her approach to education was revolutionary for its time, creating an environment where scholars from various backgrounds could gather to exchange knowledge and ideas 6.
Known affectionately as “the mother of boys,” Fatima earned this nickname through her dedication to nurturing students and fostering their educational growth 1. Her commitment to combining religious devotion with academic excellence established a model that would influence educational institutions for centuries to come.
The intellectual flowering of Al Quaraouiyyin during the 9th-12th centuries marked a defining period in Islamic scholarship. The university’s teaching methods centered around intimate study circles, where students gathered around their sheik in a semi-circle, engaging in dynamic discussions and textual analysis 7.
The university developed a rigorous selection system, requiring students to master the entire Quran and demonstrate proficiency in Arabic before admission 8. The curriculum expanded beyond religious studies to include:
Among the luminaries who graced Al Quaraouiyyin’s halls was Moses ben Maimon (Maimonides), who studied under Abdul Arab Ibn Muwashah 8. The university attracted scholars like Ibn Khaldun, whose original manuscript Kitab Al-‘Ibar became part of the library’s collection in 1396 8.
The institution’s influence extended beyond the Islamic world. Pope Sylvester II, known for introducing Arabic numerals to Europe, studied at Al Quaraouiyyin 8. The university fostered intellectual exchange between Muslim, Jewish, and Christian scholars, creating a unique environment of cultural dialog.
In 1349, the Marinid Sultan Abu Inan Faris established a dedicated library that would become one of the most significant repositories of Islamic knowledge 9. The collection housed precious manuscripts including:
| Notable Manuscripts | Time Period |
|---|---|
| Muwatta’ Imam Malik on gazelle sheets | 795 CE |
| Sirat Ibn Ishaq | 883 CE |
| Original Quran manuscript in Kufic script | 9th century |
| Ibn Khaldun’s Muqadimmah | 14th century |
The library’s collection grew through generous contributions from various sultans and scholars 8. Many manuscripts came from the libraries of Seville, Córdoba, Almeria, Granada, and Malaga, enriching the institution’s scholarly resources 9.
The teaching approach emphasized personal development and critical thinking, allowing students to progress at their own pace 7. This personalized system, combined with the vast resources of the library and the expertise of renowned scholars, established Al Quaraouiyyin as the premier center of learning in the medieval world.
The physical evolution of Al Quaraouiyine reflects centuries of architectural innovation and cultural influence, making it a living museum of Islamic design. Through successive dynasties, the university complex grew from a modest mosque into North Africa’s largest mosque, capable of accommodating 22,000 worshipers 10.
The first significant expansion occurred in 956 CE under the Zenata leaders, with funding from Umayyad Caliph Abdul-Rahman III 11. The prayer hall extended east and west, while the original courtyard moved further back. A century later, between 1134 and 1143, the Almoravid ruler Ali ibn Yusuf ordered another major expansion, increasing the prayer hall to 21 aisles and bringing its area to over 3,000 square meters 11.
| Dynasty | Major Contributions |
|---|---|
| Zenata (956 CE) | Extended prayer hall, relocated minaret |
| Almoravid (1134-1143) | Added three aisles, new mihrab |
| Almohad (12th-13th century) | Enhanced decorative elements |
| Marinid (1359) | Expanded library complex |
The mosque-university’s architectural grandeur includes:
The building’s most striking feature is its roof system, comprising green-tiled pyramids that mirror the number of arcades below. The central aisle stands deliberately higher than surrounding sections, drawing attention to the mihrab area 11.
In 2012, the library underwent a comprehensive restoration led by Canadian-Moroccan architect Aziza Chaouni 12. The renovation balanced historical preservation with modern amenities, including:
The restored library now features a dedicated public wing with an exhibition room and café, making this historic institution accessible to visitors for the first time in its history 13. The restoration team took particular care to preserve original elements, including the intricate tile work and historical fountains, while integrating modern conservation technologies 12.
The post-colonial period marked a pivotal chapter in Al Quaraouiyine’s history as it adapted to meet modern educational demands while preserving its rich heritage. The transformation process began gradually, reflecting Morocco’s own journey toward independence and educational reform.
A significant shift occurred in 1947 when Al Quaraouiyine was first integrated into Morocco’s state educational system 14. The most dramatic change came in 1963 when a royal decree officially transformed the institution into a state university under the ministry of education’s supervision 9. This transition included moving classes from the historic mosque to a new campus established at former French Army barracks 9.
The curriculum underwent substantial expansion to embrace both traditional and contemporary subjects. The university now offers:
| Traditional Studies | Modern Disciplines |
|---|---|
| Islamic Law | Engineering |
| Classical Arabic | Computer Science |
| Maliki Law | Medicine |
| Religious Sciences | Social Sciences |
Physics, chemistry, and foreign languages were introduced in 1957 15, marking a significant departure from the purely religious focus of previous centuries. The university established multiple specialized faculties, including Islamic law in Fez, Arab studies in Marrakech, and theology in Tétouan 16.
Despite modernization, Al Quaraouiyine maintains its distinctive teaching approach:
The university’s commitment to traditional methods reflects a deliberate balance between innovation and heritage. Students must still memorize the entire Quran before admission, maintaining the institution’s historical standards 9. This unique blend of old and new approaches has allowed Al Quaraouiyine to preserve its cultural identity while adapting to contemporary educational needs.
In 1988, King Hassan II reinstated traditional Islamic education after a three-decade hiatus, demonstrating the institution’s ongoing commitment to its roots 9. Today, the university continues to emphasize both religious scholarship and modern academic disciplines, creating a unique educational environment that bridges centuries of learning traditions with contemporary educational standards 17.
Standing as a bridge between centuries of tradition and modern education, Al Quaraouiyine serves a diverse student body of 8,000-8,999 learners today 1. The institution continues to evolve while maintaining its core identity as a center of Islamic learning and cultural preservation.
The university offers a comprehensive range of bachelor’s degrees across multiple disciplines 1. The curriculum balances traditional Islamic studies with contemporary subjects:
| Core Programs | Modern Additions |
|---|---|
| Islamic Law | French Language |
| Classical Arabic | English Studies |
| Maliki Jurisprudence | Social Sciences |
| Religious Sciences | Business Studies |
Students experience a unique blend of traditional and modern teaching methods. Classes still follow the historic halqa system, where learners gather around professors who guide them through text analysis and interpretation 9.
Al Quaraouiyine maintains rigorous admission standards that reflect its commitment to Islamic scholarship. Prospective students must meet several requirements 18:
The university attracts students from across Morocco and Islamic West Africa, with some scholars traveling from Muslim Central Asia 9. Spanish Muslim converts frequently choose Al Quaraouiyine for its connection to the scholarly heritage of Muslim al-Andalus 9.
The institution’s dedication to preserving Islamic heritage is exemplified by its recently restored library. Housing priceless manuscripts, including:
Modern conservation efforts have transformed the library into a state-of-the-art facility while maintaining its historical character. The manuscripts now reside in a secure environment with controlled temperature and humidity 19. This careful balance of preservation and accessibility ensures these treasures remain available for future generations while protecting their integrity.
The university continues to foster intellectual exchange through seminars and study sessions that enhance dialog between different viewpoints 3. Its strategic partnerships with NGO organizations provide students with internship opportunities, bridging theoretical knowledge with practical experience 3.
As the world’s oldest continuously operating educational institution, Al Quaraouiyine demonstrates how traditional Islamic education can thrive in the modern world. Its current enrollment of over 8,000 students 1 shows that ancient wisdom and contemporary learning can successfully coexist, creating an educational experience that honors the past while embracing the future.
