Power of a Woman
The world’s first University was founded in Africa (Morocco🇲🇦) by a woman.
Fatima bint Muhammad Al-Fihriya Al-Qurashiya (فاطمة بنت محمد الفهرية القرشية), who was born in Tunisia, founded the world’s first university in 895 CE in Fez, which is now in Morocco🇲🇦
She is more usually known simply as Fatima al-Fihri. She established the University of Al Qarawiyyin using her share of her father’s wealth she inherited with her sister. The university started as a large mosque and later grew into a place of education.
The University of al-Qarawiyyin was the first degree-granting educational institute in the world (as recognised by UNESCO and Guinness World Records). Students from all over the world travelled to study a wide range of subjects, ranging from natural sciences to languages to astronomy, and Fatima herself studied there too. During the medieval times, the University was considered a major intellectual centre.
Unsurprisingly, numerous notable scholars have studied at this stellar institution. Rumour has it that even Gerbert of Aurillac – better known as Pope Sylvester II – studied at al-Qarawiyyin, and it is he who is given the credit of introducing Arabic numerals (that we use to this day) to the rest of Europe.
The University of al-Qarawiyyin is still in operation today, and amid its other attractions, houses one of the world’s oldest libraries. The library contains over 4000 manuscripts, including the famous historian Ibn Khaldun’s 14th-century text Muqaddimah. The library recently underwent refurbishment, pioneered by female architect Aziza Chaouni, who worked to renovate the library and give it a face-lift.
Fatima’s foresight and commitment, alongside her selfless contribution towards championing intellectual advancement, led to the establishment of a monumental university. The remarkable legacy of her dedication and empowering endeavour is well-deserved and one that is a source of inspiration for all.
The library of al-Qarawiyyin is now open to the public and, amongst other treasures, exhibits Fatima al-Fihri’s original diploma – on a wooden board!
Aal-e-Qutub Aal-e-Syed Abdullah Shah Ghazi 