SERIES TWO (POST TWO)
In previous post of this series, I have discussed the objectives of series two. It is to develop Scientific Temperament among Muslims. We, Muslims, were the people who laid foundation of today's modern sciences but due to many political, social and cultural disturbances in Caliphate, the modern science was further developed by the Europeans in Renaissance. Muslims laid the foundation and Westerners constructed a building on it
This is the first post on a particular issue in this series and I have chosen this issue for three reasons 1. One of my favourite character in Ertugrul Ressurection was of Ibn Al Arabi is a character in this post as well, 2. To highlight the role of Women in Caliphate; it is not restricted to cooking food and serving man, 3. Foundation of Modern Universities is not a European Origin but Islamic.
University of Qarawiyyin in Fes, Morocco Was founded by Fatima Binte Al Fihri in 859 AD (1161 Years ago) under the Caliphate of Abassids. According to UNESCO and Guinness Book of the World Records, it is the "Oldest Continuously Existing" University of the World. According to Encyclopedia of Britannica, Universities in Europe are not of European Origin but came after Africa and Aisa.
Fatima was among the two daughters of a rich merchant, Al Fihri. Both sisters inherited a large amount of money from her father. Fatima decided to spend her money on developments of schools in the region and founded University of Qarawiyyin. University will give the Islamic World prominent scholars. Muslims of Spain used to study in this University and one among them was a Prominent and my favourite character in Ertugrul Ressurection- Ibn E Al Arabi.
Arabi either have taught in the school or have studied from here. It is not yet clear but Arabi was associated with the University. Apart from Arabi, University gave us Omar Khayyam, Ibn E Rushayd Al Sabti (1321), Mohammed Ibn E Al Hajj Al-Abdari Al-Fari (1336), Abu Imran Al-Fasi (1015), Jonas Leo Africanus, a renowned traveler, Al Idrissi (1166), Ibn E Al Khatib, Alpetragius, Ibn Hirzihim, Al Wazzan, famous Jewish Philosopher, Maimonides, and Fatima Al-Kabbaj.
University Library still has original copy of Ibn Khaldoon's book, Al-Ibar, and Malik Ibn E Anas's book, Al-Muwatta. Subjects taught in the University were Quran, Islamic Jurisprudence, Grammar, Rhetoric, Logic, Medicine, Mathematics and Astronomy. During Colonial Era, British tried to attack the University but it was survived by the struggle of students. Morocco has much better Universities now in infrastructure, facilities and courses but importance of University of Qarawiyyin can't be neglected. "She gave us the people who shaped us".
In my upcoming posts in this series, I will discuss about the popular Institutions in the Caliphate and Scholars of Islamic Age. If you like the efforts, please let me know in the comment box. You can also copy and paste these posts on your wall.
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