List of Islamic seminaries

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Darul Uloom Deoband, India Darul Uloom Deoband.JPG
Darul Uloom Deoband, India
University of Al Quaraouiyine in Fes, the oldest existing, continually operating and the first degree awarding educational institution in the world according to UNESCO and Guinness World Records. Al-Qarawiyyin University, Fes, Morocco - Var 132.jpg
University of Al Quaraouiyine in Fes, the oldest existing, continually operating and the first degree awarding educational institution in the world according to UNESCO and Guinness World Records.
The Registan and its three madrasahs. From left to right: Ulugh Beg Madrasah, Tilya-Kori Madrasah and Sher-Dor Madrasah. Registan square Samarkand.jpg
The Registan and its three madrasahs. From left to right: Ulugh Beg Madrasah, Tilya-Kori Madrasah and Sher-Dor Madrasah.

This is a list of Islamic seminaries throughout history, including the operational, historical, defunct or converted ones. This list includes mainly madrasa in the Western context, which refers to the specific type of religious school or college for the study of the Islamic religion and Islamic educations, though this may not be the only subject studied. It also includes sectarian or regional variants which have distinct characteristics and traditions, though serves the identical purposes as seminary, namely Hawza of Shi'a Islam, Nezamiyeh in the medieval Persia, Darul Uloom which has roots in South Asia, Qawmi in Bangladesh, pesantren in Indonesia, and pondok in Malaysia and Southern Thailand. This list does not include institutions which are not religious seminaries, but have an Islamic identity or charter, or devoted to sciences and arts usually associated with Islamic culture and history, namely Islamic University.

Contents

List of Islamic seminaries

The listings are in alphabetical order by country.

Bangladesh

Bosnia and Herzegovina

Cyprus

Egypt

India

Indonesia

Iran

Iraq

Mali

Morocco

Pakistan

Palestine

Saudi Arabia

Singapore

Spain

Syria

Sudan

Tunisia

Turkey

United Kingdom

United States

Ukraine

Uzbekistan

Yemen

Republic of Ireland

List of oldest Islamic seminaries

YearCurrent LocationNameOther notes
737 Flag of Tunisia.svg Tunis, Tunisia University of Ez-Zitouna For centuries, Kairouan was the early centre of learning and intellectual pursuits in Tunisia and North Africa in General. Starting from the 13th century, Tunis became the capital of Ifriqiya under Almohad and Hafsid rule.This shift in power helped Ez-Zitouna to flourish and become one of the major centres of Islamic learning, and Ibn Khaldun, the first social historian in history was one of its products. The flourishing university attracted students and men of learning from all parts of the known world at the time. Along with theology (mainly the Qur'an), the university taught jurisprudence, history, grammar, science and medicine. When it comes to books and libraries, Ez-Zituna libraries were the richest among North African counterparts. It had several collections totaling in the tens of thousands of books. One of its libraries, el-Abdaliyah included a large collection of rare and unique manuscripts. The manuscripts covered almost all subjects and sciences, including grammar, logic, documentations, etiquette of research, cosmology, arithmetic, geometry, minerals, vocational training, etc.
859 Flag of Morocco.svg Fes, Morocco University of Al Quaraouiyine Founded by Fatima al-Fihri, originally as a mosque. In addition to a place for worship, the mosque soon developed into a place for religious instruction and political discussion, gradually extending its education to a broad range of subjects, particularly the natural sciences. Al-Karaouine played, in medieval times, a leading role in the cultural exchange and transfer of knowledge between Muslims and Europeans. Pioneer scholars such as Ibn Maimun (Maimonides), (1135–1204), Al-Idrissi (d.1166 AD), Ibn al-Arabi (1165-1240 AD), Ibn Khaldun (1332-1395 AD), Ibn al-Khatib, Al-Bitruji (Alpetragius), Ibn Hirzihim, and Al-Wazzan were all connected with the university either as students or lecturers. Among Christian scholars visiting Al-Karaouine were the Belgian Nicolas Cleynaerts and the Dutchman Golius. Among the subjects taught, alongside the Qur'an and Fiqh (Islamic jurisprudence), are grammar, rhetoric, logic, medicine, mathematics, astronomy, chemistry, history, geography and music. It is considered the oldest university in the world by some scholars, [4] [5] and the oldest continuously operating degree-granting institution in the world by the Guinness Book Of Records, [6] although some dispute this claim. [7]
970-972 Flag of Egypt.svg Cairo, Egypt Al-Azhar University Founded by Jawhar al-siqilli of the Fatimid Caliphate, this university served as a center for Arabic literature and Sunni Islamic learning. The college (Jami'ah) had faculties in Islamic law and jurisprudence, Arabic grammar, Astronomy, Islamic philosophy, and Logic. The Al-Azhar is considered by some as the world's second oldest surviving degree-granting institute.[ citation needed ] According to the Encyclopedia of Islam, Al-Azhar was a religious university, a madrasa and center of higher learning. [8]

In the 1950s, Al-Azhar underwent significant change, with new regulations and reform resulting in an expanded role. [9] In 1961 it became a modern university when many modern secular faculties were added, such as medicine, engineering and agriculture.

1065 Flag of Iran.svg Isfahan, Iran Nizamiyya Nizamiyya: This series of universities was established by Khwaja Nizam al-Mulk in the eleventh century in what is now present-day Iran. The most celebrated of all the Nizamiyya schools is Al-Nizamiyya of Baghdad, established in 1065 in Dhu'l Qa'da and that remains operational in Isfahan. But, this was just one of many Nizamiyyah schools — others were located in Nishapur, Amul, Mosul, Herat, Damascus, and Basra. The Nizamiyya schools served as a model for future universities in the region, and al-Mulk often is seen as responsible for a new era of brilliance which caused his schools to eclipse all other contemporary learning institutions.
1227

Flag of Iraq.svg Baghdad, Iraq

Mustansiriya Madrasah Mustansiriya Madrasah was a medieval-era scholarly complex that provided a universal system of higher education. It was established in 1227 CE and was named after and built by the Abbasid Caliph al-Mustansir in Baghdad, Iraq. The Madrasa taught many different subjects, including medicine, math, literature, grammar, philosophy, and Islamic religious studies. However, the major focus of education was Islamic law. It became the most prominent and high-ranking center for Islamic studies in all of Baghdad. Madrasas during the Abbasid period were used as the predominant instrument to foster the spread of Sunni thought as well as a way to extend the founder's pious ideals. The architecture of the Madrasa was also an important example of Islamic architectural development in Baghdad. The Madrasa has experienced several periods of decline and reemergence throughout its history. The most significant degradation to the Madrasa's architecture and position within Baghdad was the Mongol Siege of Baghdad (1258). Today, the Madrasa is in a state of restoration as is it being overseen by the Directorate of Antiquities in Iraq.

It is currently a part of the Al-Mustansiriya University, and is located on the left bank of the Tigris River. Adjacent landmarks include the Saray souq, the Baghdadi Museum, Mutanabbi Street, the Abbasid Palace, and Caliph's Street.

See also

Related Research Articles

Darul uloom, also spelled dar-ul-ulum, is an Arabic term that literally means "house of knowledge". The term generally means an Islamic seminary or educational institution – similar to or often the same as a madrassa or Islamic school – although a darul uloom often indicates a more advanced level of study. In a darul uloom, Islamic subjects are studied by students, who are known as talaba or ṭālib.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Darul Uloom Hathazari</span> Madrasa in Chittagong District, Bangladesh

Al-Jāmiʿah al-Ahliyyah Dār al-ʿUlūm Muʿīn al-Islām, popularly known as the Hāṭhazārī Madrasa or the Great Madrassah, is a Qawmi institution of Hathazari, located in Bangladesh's Chittagong District. Established in 1901, it is the largest and oldest Deobandi seminary in the country. According to a 2009 National Bureau of Asian Research report, the highly reputed institution ranks among top ten madrasa in the subcontinent.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Al Jamia Al Islamia Patiya</span> Second largest Qawmi Madrasa in Bangladesh

Al-Jāmiʿah Al-Islāmiyyah Patiya, better known simply as Patiya Madrasa and formerly known as Al-Madrasah Aḍ-Ḍamīriyyah Qāsim al-ʿUlūm, is a Qawmi Madrasah located in Patiya Upazila of Chittagong District, Bangladesh. It was established in 1938 by Azizul Haq under the direction of Zamiruddin Ahmad. It is also known as an International Islamic University. It has a role in the promotion of Islam in Bangladesh, inclusion of Qawmi Madrasas under one syllabus, providing modern and higher education for scholars.

Qawmi Madrasah is an adjective describing one of the two major madrasah educational categories in Bangladesh. The Qawmi madrasahs are not regulated by the Bangladesh Madrasah Education Board. As private charitable organizations, Qawmi madrasahs are supported almost exclusively by donation.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Befaqul Madarisil Arabia Bangladesh</span> Bangladeshi Qawmi Madrasa Education Board

Befaqul Madarisil Arabia Bangladesh is the largest Qawmi madrasa education board in Bangladesh. it was founded in April, 1978 after a seminar of Islamic scholars. This organization of Qawmi Madrasahs of Bangladesh is also known as the "Befaqul Madaris". It is an extension of the process that formed the Wafaq ul Madaris Al-Arabia, Pakistan in 1957. "Bangladesh Qawmi Madrasah Education Board" is the largest federation of Islamic seminaries in Bangladesh. Qawmi educational system practices originate from the traditional Muslim educational system of Bangladesh. At present, there are more than 65,000 Qawmi Madrasahs in Bangladesh. As of 2013, more than 20,000 Seminaries across the People's Republic of Bangladesh are affiliated with "Befaqul Madaris". It controls all the seminaries which are run by Deobandi School of thought. Deobandi School of thought is supposed to be the most powerful and dominated school of thought in Bangladesh.

Jamiah Islamiah Talimuddin Dabhel is a Deobandi Islamic seminary in Dabhel, Gujarat, India.

Jamiatul Qasim Darul Uloom -il-Islamia is an Islamic seminary in India. The Jamia was established by Mufti Mahfoozur Rahman Usmani, an Islamic scholar of India. in 1989, Indo-Nepal border, in Supaul, Bihar. The Jamia also serves as a center for National Council for Promotion of Urdu Language and National Institute of Electronics & Information Technology.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jamiatul Uloom Al-Islamia Lalkhan Bazar</span>

Jamiatul Uloom Al-Islamia Lalkhan Bazar, popularly known as Lalkhan Bazar Madrasah, is a well-known Qawmi madrasah situated in the Lalkhan Bazar area of port city Chittagong. The jamia is founded by Mufti Izharul Islam.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jamia Nizamia Ghousia</span>

Darul Uloom Jamia Nizamia Ghousia is an Islamic seminary for Sunni Muslims. It was established by Mohammad Abdul Ghafoor Hazarvi, where he served as the Mohatmim and Grand Mufti. His son Mufti Abdul Shakoor Hazarvi took over as Mohatmim until April 2010. The Jamia is known for the great Ulama and Huffaz of Quran and Hadith it produced. It continues the tradition of the Darul uloom system initiated by Darul Uloom Bareily.

Darul oloom, also spelled darul ulum, dar al-ulum etc., may refer to:

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Junaid Babunagari</span> Bangladeshi Islamic scholar

Muḥammad Junaid, popularly known as Junaid Babunagari, was a Bangladeshi Deobandi Islamic scholar, educator, writer, researcher, Islamic speaker and spiritual figure. He was the Amir of Hefazat-e-Islam Bangladesh, Shaykhul Hadith of Darul Uloom Hathazari Madrasa, vice-president of Befaqul Madarisil Arabia Bangladesh, Chairman of Chittagong Noorani Talimul Quran Board and Editor-in-Chief of Monthly Mueenul Islam.

Izharul Islam Chowdhury is the founder of Jamiatul Uloom Al-Islamia Lalkhan Bazar. He is the present executive president of Nizam-e-Islam Party and Nayeb-e-Ameer of Hefazat-e-Islam Bangladesh.

Al-Hayʼat al-ʿUlyā lil-Jāmiʿāt al-Qawmiyyah Bangladesh is the government-recognized combined Qawmi Madrasah Education Board of Bangladesh, having the authority to arrange central examinations and to issue certificates. It consists of six Qawmi Madrasah Education Boards: Befaqul Madarisil Arabia Bangladesh, Befaqul Madarisil Qawmia Gauhordanga Bangladesh, Anjumane Ittehadul Madaris Bangladesh, Azad Deeni Edaraye Talim Bangladesh, Tanjeemul Madarisid Diniya Bangladesh, and Jatiya Deeni Madrasa Shikkha Board Bangladesh.

Sulṭān Zauq Nadvī is a Bangladeshi Islamic scholar, author and the founder of Jamia Darul Ma'arif Al-Islamia. He is known mainly for his expertise in and contribution to Arabic language and literature.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Shamsuddin Qasemi</span> Bangladeshi Islamic scholar

Shamsuddin Qasemi was a Bangladeshi Islamic scholar, politician, author and educationist. He was the founding president of the Khatme Nabuwwat Andolan Council, former secretary-general of Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam Bangladesh, former principal of Jamia Madania Chittagong and Jamia Hussainia Arzabad, and the founding chief-editor of the monthly Paygam-e-Haqq and weekly Jamiat magazines. He is also noted for his contributions during the Bangladesh Liberation War of 1971.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sultan Ahmad Nanupuri</span> Bangladeshi Islamic scholar

Shah Sultan Ahmad Nanupuri, also known by his daak naam Badshah, was a Bangladeshi Islamic scholar, teacher and author. He established numerous madrasas in Bangladesh and was the founding principal of Al-Jamiah Al-Islamiah Obaidia Nanupur for seventeen years.

References

  1. Oldest University
  2. "Medina of Fez". UNESCO World Heritage Centre. UNESCO. Retrieved 7 April 2016.
  3. "About Us". Jamia Madania Angura Muhammadpur.
  4. Esposito, John (2003). The Oxford Dictionary of Islam. Oxford University Press. p. 328. ISBN   0-19-512559-2.
  5. Kettani, M. Ali. Engineering Education in the Arab World. Middle East Journal, 1974, 28(4):441.
  6. The Guinness Book Of Records, Published 1998, ISBN   0-553-57895-2, p. 242
  7. Some sources claim that University of Bologna is the oldest in the world.
  8. Jomier, J. "al- Azhar (al-Ḏj̲āmiʿ al-Azhar)." Encyclopaedia of Islam, Second Edition. Edited by: P. Bearman, Th. Bianquis, C.E. Bosworth, E. van Donzel and W.P. Heinrichs. Brill, 2010, retrieved 20 March 2010:
    This great mosque, the 'brilliant one'...is one of the principal mosques of present-day Cairo. This seat of learning...regained all its activity—Sunnī from now on—during the reign of Sultan Baybars...Al-Azhar at the beginning of the 19th century could well have been called a religious university; what it was not was a complete university giving instruction in those modern disciplines essential to the awakening of the country.
  9. Skovgaard-Petersen, Jakob. "al-Azhar, modern period." Encyclopaedia of Islam, THREE. Edited by: Gudrun Krämer, Denis Matringe, John Nawas and Everett Rowson. Brill, 2010, retrieved 20 March 2010:
    Al-Azhar, the historic centre of higher Islamic learning in Cairo, has undergone significant change since the late 19th century, with new regulations and reforms resulting in an expanded role for the university. 1. From madrasa to university