Islam and Education – The Traces of the First Universities

Introduction

Islamic culture is not limited to religious rituals alone; it also places great importance on science, knowledge, and education. The fact that the first revelation began with the command “Read!”, that hundreds of Quranic verses point to knowledge, and that the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, “Seeking knowledge is obligatory for every Muslim,” all show that Islam assigns a special place to learning.

Between the 8th and 13th centuries, the Islamic world advanced science and education to such an extent that it laid the foundations of the first universities in history. Al-Azhar in Cairo, Al-Qarawiyyin in Fez, the Nizamiyya madrasas in Baghdad, and the scientific centers of Samarkand and Bukhara are still remembered today as historic models of education.

S – Social Dimension

Science and Society

In the Islamic world, science was evident not only in academic circles but also in the everyday life of society. Mosques served as both centers of worship and centers of education. Next to mosques, madrasas were built, where mathematics, fiqh, tafsir, logic, medicine, and geometry were taught.

Social Functions of the First Universities

• Al-Qarawiyyin University (859, Fez, Morocco) – The world’s oldest still-functioning university. Women were also able to benefit from education here.

• Al-Azhar University (970, Cairo, Egypt) – Initially a religious teaching center, but over time philosophy, logic, and natural sciences were also taught.

• Nizamiyya Madrasas (11th century, Baghdad and other cities) – Created a state-supported education system and opened a new chapter in social structure.

Social Impact

These universities were not only centers of science but also symbols of social justice. Education was often free, libraries were open to the public, and the waqf system provided support for teachers and students.

A – Academic Dimension

Teaching Methods and Curricula

In the first universities, teaching was based on oral tradition, discussion, and written works. Teachers held sessions called dars, while students took notes.

The curricula were very broad:

• Religious sciences: Quran, hadith, fiqh

• Language and literature: Arabic language, grammar, poetics

• Mathematics and logic: geometry, algebra, logic

• Natural sciences: medicine, astronomy, chemistry

• Humanities: philosophy, history, law

Prominent Scholars and Universities

• Al-Khwarizmi – Established the foundations of mathematics teaching at Bayt al-Hikma in Baghdad.

• Ibn Sina (Avicenna) – Influenced the programs of the Nizamiyya madrasas; his Canon of Medicine was used in Europe as a textbook for centuries.

• Al-Biruni – Played an important role in teaching geography and astronomy.

• Ibn Rushd (Averroes) and Al-Farabi – Opened the way for the teaching of philosophy in universities.

İ – Public Dimension

Spread of Education

Under the influence of universities, illiteracy decreased, and education spread among wider social groups. Madrasas became cultural centers of cities. In al-Andalus (Spain), the Muslim education system served as a model for Europe.

Women’s Role in Education

The founder of Al-Qarawiyyin was a woman — Fatima al-Fihri. This fact shows that women’s support for knowledge in Islam is not new. Many female scholars — for example, Shaykha Nafisa, the teacher of Imam Ahmad ibn Hanbal — taught in universities.

Public Institutions

The waqf (charitable endowment) system ensured the continuous functioning of educational institutions. Every university had a library, student dormitories, and its own sources of funding. This was a unique educational model that did not exist anywhere else in the world at that time.

T – Research Dimension

Influence on Europe

Under the influence of Islamic universities, educational institutions such as the University of Bologna (1088) and the University of Paris (12th century) were established in Europe. The educational systems of Al-Azhar and Al-Qarawiyyin served as models for European universities.

Scientific Legacy

The works of Muslim scholars remained the main textbooks in Europe for centuries:

• Ibn Sina – “Canon of Medicine”

• Al-Razi – “Al-Hawi”

• Al-Khwarizmi – “Algebra”

• Al-Biruni – Works on astronomy

Lessons for the Modern Era

These universities teach us that:

1. Education is the foundation of social justice.

2. Science and faith can develop together.

3. Universities are not only guardians of knowledge but also carriers of culture.

Conclusion

In the Golden Age, the Islamic world reached its peak in science and education. Al-Qarawiyyin, Al-Azhar, and the Nizamiyya madrasas laid the foundations not only for their time but also for the entire history of world universities.

Today, the Muslim world must draw on this heritage to instill a love of knowledge in its youth. The traces of the first universities show that societies built on knowledge and justice always rise.

 Questions for Readers

1. In your opinion, what were the main reasons for the success of the early university model in the Islamic world?

2. What lessons should we learn from the traditions of Al-Qarawiyyin, Al-Azhar, and the Nizamiyya today?

3. How can the balance between science and faith be maintained in educational institutions?

4. How can institutions like the waqf fill the gaps in modern education?

5. In your view, how can university-industry cooperation be strengthened in modern Muslim countries?

6. About which scholar or university would you like to see a separate, detailed article?

7. Which part of the article did you find most interesting, and why?

8. Your suggestion: What could be added to make this topic even more useful?

Write your opinion: Share your thoughts, questions, and suggestions in the comments below. Your ideas are the roadmap for the next articles.