Al-Qarawiyyin Library

The Al-Qarawiyyin Library in Fez, Morocco, is part of the oldest continuously operating educational institution in the world, founded by Fatima al-Fihri in 859 CE. It houses thousands of priceless "Makhtutat" (manuscripts) in "Fiqh," "Astronomy," and "Medicine." For the "Ummah," this library is a testament to the high value Islam places on "Ilm" and the pivotal role of Muslim women in establishing the foundations of global higher education and the preservation of "Turath" (heritage). The University of Al-Qarawiyyin was founded by Fatima al-Fihri, a Muslim woman from a wealthy family of immigrants from Tunisia. She used her inheritance to build a mosque and a school. The university became a major center of learning, attracting scholars from across the Islamic world. The Al-Qarawiyyin Library is one of the oldest libraries in the world. It houses manuscripts dating back to the 9th century, including rare copies of the Quran, works on Hadith, and texts on medicine, astronomy, and mathematics. The library has been renovated and modernized in recent years, preserving its collection for future generations. For believers, Al-Qarawiyyin is a reminder of the Islamic emphasis on knowledge. The first revelation was "Read!" (96:1), and the pursuit of knowledge is an obligation. Al-Qarawiyyin embodies this tradition, as a center of learning for over a thousand years. The library also highlights the role of women in Islamic civilization. Fatima al-Fihri founded the university, and women have been involved in Islamic scholarship throughout history. The believer honors this legacy and recognizes the contributions of women to Islamic learning. The preservation of manuscripts is also a testament to the Islamic commitment to preserving knowledge. The scholars of the past carefully copied and preserved texts, ensuring that knowledge would be transmitted to future generations. The believer values this heritage and seeks to preserve it. The ultimate knowledge is the knowledge of Allah. Al-Qarawiyyin and its library are tools for that knowledge, helping believers understand the Quran, the Sunnah, and the world. The believer seeks knowledge, values the institutions that preserve it, and contributes to its advancement. Al-Qarawiyyin also reminds believers of the global nature of Islamic civilization. Scholars from across the Muslim world gathered in Fez to study and teach. The believer appreciates this diversity and the bonds of knowledge that unite the Ummah. The library is a symbol of that unity, and the believer seeks to strengthen it.