Fatima al-Fihri, a VISIONARY PIONEERING MUSLIM WOMAN , founded the University of Al-Qarawiyyin in Fez, Morocco in 859 CE, which is recognized by UNESCO and Guinness World Records as the OLDEST CONTINUOUSLY OPERATING DEGREE-GRANTING UNIVERSITY in the WORLD.
Using her inheritance from her wealthy merchant father, al-Fihri established a MASJID and SCHOOL that eventually grew into a renowned center of learning, attracting scholars and students from across the Islamic world and beyond.
The university flourished during the Islamic Golden Age, producing notable alumni such as Ibn Rushd, Ibn Khaldun, and Maimonides, and offering courses in various subjects, including theology, law, grammar, medicine, and mathematics.
Al-Qarawiyyin’s legacy extends beyond its academic achievements, as it paved the way for WOMEN’S ROLES IN EDUCATION and INSPIRED the establishment of UNIVERSITIES IN Europe.
Today, the University of Al-Qarawiyyin remains a symbol of Morocco’s rich history and cultural heritage, continuing to offer traditional Islamic education and promote intellectual growth.
Historical significance: Considered the OLDEST CONTINUING OPERATING HIGHER-LEARNING INSITUTION IN THE WORLD, by UNESCO and Guinness World Records.
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/University_of_al-Qarawiyyin
Legacy: It became a leading center of learning for centuries, attracting scholars and students from across the region.
According to legend, Fatima al-Fihrused (A VISIONARY WOMAN) used her inheritance to found the institution for her community, naming it after her birthplace, Qayrawan in Tunisia.
ISLAMIC WOMEN
Islamic women have made significant contributions to various fields, including EDUCATION, HEALTH and FINANCE, throughout history.
Education
Right to Seek Knowledge: Islam emphasizes the importance of education for both men and women. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said, “Seeking knowledge is an obligation upon every Muslim”.
Female Scholars: Women like Aisha, the wife of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, played a crucial role in Islamic education, narrating over 2,000 hadiths and educating generations of scholars.
Historical Precedents: Fatima al-Fihri, a pioneering Muslim woman, founded the University of Al-Qarawiyyin in Fez, Morocco, which is recognized as the oldest continuously operating degree-granting university in the world.
Health
Medical Contributions: Aisha, a wife of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, contributed significantly to medicine, history, and rhetoric, demonstrating the importance of women’s roles in healthcare.
Nursing and Care: Women have historically played vital roles in nursing and caring for the sick, reflecting Islam’s emphasis on compassion and community service.
Finance
Financial Independence: Islam grants women the right to own property, engage in trade, and manage their finances independently. The Quran acknowledges women’s financial independence.
Business and Entrepreneurship: Khadijah, the wife of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, was a successful businesswoman and entrepreneur, showcasing women’s potential in finance and commerce.
Inheritance Rights: Women have the right to inherit property and wealth, with specific shares allocated based on their relationship to the deceased.
The URGENT NEED for PEACEFUL CO-EXISTENCE Between the USA and CHINA.
TRUE WEALTH in GUYANA goes BEYOND GDP; it should be about ENHANCING THE QUALITY OF LIFE FOR ALL GUYANESE.
Government MUST prioritize METRICS that capture WELL-BEING, HEALTH, EDUCATION and ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY well-being, to build a prosperous future for EVERYONE.
Guyana’s WEALTH should NOT be measured JUST by GDP, but by the QUALITY-OF-LIFE Guyanese enjoy.
GUYANA >>> Onward & Upward towards, One People, One Nation, One Destiny.
REMEMBER >>> We are ALL Connected.
