It is often said that universities are the bridge between school life and adult life- a bridge that gives direction to our dreams. They prepare us well for the real-life challenges ahead. In universities, we not only master academic subjects but also the art of thinking, thriving, and living. Today, the world has thousands of universities, grand and modest, but do you wonder where it all began?

University Al-Qarawiyyin, Morocco. 

This is the world’s oldest existing, continuously operating university, a timeless beacon of knowledge and legacy. It was established by Fatima Al-Fihri, a visionary muslim scholar and philanthropist whose story continues to inspire generations to date. She was the daughter of rich merchant Mohammad Al-Fihri of Kairouan. After inheriting her father’s fortune, she moved to Fez and decided to devote herself and her wealth to a noble purpose. She founded Al Qarawiyyin University, the world’s first university, in 859 AD. She has chosen legacy over luxury and invested her wealth wisely in making education accessible to future generations for centuries to come. It is said that she fasted throughout the construction of the university, giving the idea a spiritual support. 

The 9th Century AD was a time when women were not allowed to enjoy basic freedom, yet defying the boundaries of patriarchy, Fatima showed extraordinary courage and opened the world of literacy and infinite possibilities to them. 

Al Qarawiyyin emerged as a vibrant centre of learning, offering education in Arabic, medicine, astronomy, geography and many more subjects. This university attracted students from all over Africa, Central Asia and Europe. In a milestone that echoes through history, the world’s first-ever medical doctorate degree was given to Abdellah bin Salleh by Al Qarrawiyyin University in 1207 AD.

The thousand-year survival of Al Qarrawiyyin has carried it through the tides of history, witnessing the rise and fall of monarchies, the shadow of colonisation, and the fire of revolutions. 

With the changing regime, the patronage bestowed on the university has been etched into its identity, reflected beautifully in its diverse architecture, evolving regulations and ever-expanding curriculum. 

It is also home to the world’s oldest existing library, a treasure trove of knowledge preserved across centuries. After the French occupation of Fez in 1932, French and English were also added to the curriculum, further enriching the curriculum and opening doors of opportunities to its students across the continent. 

The influence of Al Qarawiyyin even reached the Renaissance, as many geographical maps used during that era trace their origins to this great institution. The 12th-century cartographer Mohammad Al Idrisi had also studied here and used its maps in European exploration.

Al Qarawiyyin is recognised by UNESCO and listed in the Guinness World Records as the oldest university. The history of Al Qarawiyyin is the story of resilience, intellect and the quest for knowledge. It supports that the work done by a person in their life makes them eternal. Fatima Al Fihri’s name will live in the world till the university built by her keeps educating the generations.