Fatima Al-Fihri, born around 800, was a notable Muslim woman who established the University of Al-Qarawiyyin in Fez, Morocco, recognized as the oldest continuously running university. After inheriting wealth following family tragedies, she and her sister chose to fund educational and charitable institutions rather than engage in commerce. The Al-Qarawiyyin Mosque complex not only served as a place of worship but also as a learning center. Under the Marinid Dynasty, Fez became a pivotal cosmopolitan hub, advancing cultural and intellectual pursuits, with Al-Fihri's contributions marking a significant chapter in the history of education.
Fatima Al-Fihri, a pioneering Muslim scholar and philanthropist, founded the University of Al-Qarawiyyin in 9th-century Morocco, the world's oldest continuing university.
Despite not being born into wealth, Fatima received a substantial inheritance and chose pious charity over commerce, constructing the renowned Al-Qarawiyyin Mosque and madrasa.
Fez emerged as a cultural and intellectual hub during Fatima's time, later flourishing under the Marinid Dynasty, making it a pivotal center for scholarship.
The legacy of Fatima and her sister Mariam highlights the important role women played in education, philanthropy, and cultural development in medieval Islamic society.
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