The oldest Islamic university in the world is the University of al-Qarawiyyin, located in Fes, Morocco. Founded in 859 AD by Fatima al-Fihri, a wealthy woman from a prominent family, it was initially a mosque and a place of learning for Islamic studies. Over time, it grew into a comprehensive university offering a wide range of subjects, including Islamic law, theology, mathematics, astronomy, and medicine.
The University of al-Qarawiyyin holds the distinction of being the oldest existing, continually operating, and degree-awarding educational institution in the world. Its legacy as a center of learning and scholarship has endured for over a millennium, making it a significant landmark in the history of education and Islamic culture.