Decolonising the Origins of the University: Fatima al-Fihri and the Islamic Foundations of Higher Education

Alwy Ahmed Mohamed, Zakki Afifi, Muhammad Rehan Sabir, Abdam Yusif — Sun, 28 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0700

Objective: This research aims to examine the legacy of Fatima al Fihri and the establishment of the University of al Qarawiyyin as the historical foundation of higher education through a decolonial perspective and challenge the dominant narrative that attributes the origins of modern universities only to medieval European institutions. Theoretical framework: The research uses decolonial theory in the historiography of education to examine the contribution of Islamic civilization and women to the development of higher education. Literature review: The literature review covers university historiography, Islamic higher education, the role of Fatima al-Fihri, and the institutional system of Al Qarawiyyin, which includes curriculum, diplomas, teaching methods, and waqf financing. Methods: The literature review discusses the historiography of the origin of the modern university, the development of higher education in Islamic civilization, the role of Fatima al-Fihri as the founder of the University of al Qarawiyyin, as well as the institutional characteristics of Al Qarawiyyin, which include the curriculum, teaching methods, diploma system, and waqf-based financing in relation to the modern university model. Results: The results of the study show that Al Qarawiyyin has had the main characteristics of modern higher education institutions since the ninth century, including a curriculum system, teaching, diploma certification, and waqf-based financing. This research also confirms that Fatima al-Fihri played the role of an institutional architect of higher education, which showed the fundamental contribution of Islamic civilization in the formation of universities. Implications: This research strengthens efforts to decolonize the historiography of education by encouraging a more inclusive recognition of the contributions of Islamic civilization and women. Novelty: The novelty of the research lies in the reinterpretation of the history of the University of al Qarawiyyin through a decolonial perspective that places Fatima al Fihri as the founder of the university and the pioneer of higher education.

Journal of World Thinkers

Decolonising the Origins of the University: Fatima al-Fihri and the Islamic Foundations of Higher Education