The Story of Fatima al-Fihri – Founder of the Oldest University

The Story of Fatima al-Fihri – Founder of the Oldest University

A long time ago, in the year 800, a girl named Fatima al-Fihri was born in the city of Kairouan, in present-day Tunisia. She grew up in a loving and educated family. Her father, Mohammed al-Fihri, was a successful merchant who believed that knowledge was one of the greatest treasures a person could have. Fatima and her sister, Maryam, were lucky because their father made sure they received a good education. This was rare for girls at that time.

A Vision for Learning

When Fatima was a young woman, her family moved to Fez, Morocco, a city full of culture, trade, and scholars. However, she noticed that there were very few places for people to study. Many people wanted to learn but did not have a proper school. Fatima had a dream: she wanted to build a place where people could gain knowledge freely.

Building the First University

When her father passed away, Fatima and her sister inherited a great amount of wealth. Instead of using it for herself, Fatima decided to use her money to build a great school. She worked hard to design and construct a place where students could study subjects like science, mathematics, religion, and languages.

This school became the University of Al-Qarawiyyin, which was founded in 859 AD. It was the first and oldest university in the world. Many great scholars from different countries came to study and teach there. It became a center of learning where knowledge was shared with people from all over the world.

A Legacy of Knowledge

Fatima al-Fihri did not just build the university—she also made sure it continued to grow. She believed that education should be available for everyone, no matter their background. Thanks to her efforts, the university became one of the most important places for learning in history.

The University of Al-Qarawiyyin still exists today and is recognized as the oldest university in the world by UNESCO and the Guinness World Records. It has influenced the development of universities in Europe and beyond.

A True Inspiration

Fatima al-Fihri’s story teaches us that education is one of the most powerful gifts we can give to the world. Even though she lived more than 1,000 years ago, her dream of learning and teaching lives on. Her dedication to knowledge and generosity changed the world forever.

Today, she is remembered as a pioneer of education and an inspiration for people everywhere. She proved that one person’s vision can create a lasting impact that benefits generations to come.

Fatima al-Fihri’s university continues to shine as a symbol of learning, wisdom, and the power of education!