Madrasa

Madrasa (Arabic: مدرسة, madrasa pl. مدارس, madāris) is the Arabic word for any type of educational institution, secular or religious (of any religion). It is variously transliterated as Madrasah, Madarasa, Medresa, Madrassa, Madraza, Madarsa, Madrasseh, etc.

Ulugh Beg Madrasa, Samarkand, Uzbekistan circa 1912

History

The Medina mosque(Masjid e-Nabvi), established in the 7th century under the guidance of the Prophet Mohammed, stands as a seminal symbol of education in the Muslim world's history. In that epoch, mosques functioned as primary hubs for knowledge acquisition. Transitioning into the Abbasid era (750 - 13th century), religious education gained paramount importance. Scholars diversified, with some specializing in Qur’anic studies, theology, and jurisprudence, while others focused on history, Arabic language, and literature.

As scholarly endeavors thrived, informal gatherings and study circles expanded, laying the foundation for the development of "madrasas" or colleges. These institutions catered to adults who had completed basic education in mosques or private schools. By the 10th century, madrasas emerged independently from mosques, marking a shift in the educational landscape. They swiftly evolved into hubs for both religious and secular learning, shaping a generation well-versed in Muslim orthodoxy.

Historical records and architectural remnants trace the origins of madrasas to regions like Khurasan, Transoxania, and northern Iran during the 10th century. These establishments not only acted as repositories of knowledge but also played a pivotal role in shaping individuals into scholars and officials deeply rooted in Islamic principles.

Establishment of Madrasa in 10th - 12th Centuries

During this era, the term "madrasa-mosque" highlighted mosques' pivotal roles as key social, educational, and cultural centers along the Silk Roads. Between the 10th and 12th centuries, madrasas with libraries emerged in cities like Bukhara, Khwarazm, Merv, Ghazna, and Nishapur. Urban centers often featured architectural ensembles comprising mosques, madrasas, mausoleums, and public baths called "garmabs."

Despite the disruptive Mongol invasion in the 13th century, madrasas remained premier educational institutions, expanding their influence throughout the eastern Caliphate in the 15th and 16th centuries. Mongol-introduced monetary reforms spurred economic revival in Iran and Transoxania.

Madrasas also spread to the Indian subcontinent from the 13th century, as seen in the Gwalior madrasa, resembling Buddhist monasteries called "viharas." During this cultural renaissance, madrasas evolved, emphasizing their role in promoting scientific and literary thought.

Modern education in Madrasa

Madrasas thrived as universal hubs of education and cultural exchange, catering to diverse populations. Offering a broad curriculum encompassing theology, science, history, philosophy, language, literature, music, and "adab" or polite culture, they were acknowledged by leading scholars for their role in societal development through secular sciences.

Although later challenged by strict Islamic theological traditions, during this period, madrasas in Samarkand and Herat emerged as esteemed cultural centers focusing on science, mathematics, astronomy, and medicine. The Ulugh Beg madrasa in Samarkand's Registan square, established in the 15th century, hosted renowned scholars like Ghiyath al-Din Jamshid and Qadizada Rumi. In Herat, specialized madrasas for medicine were established.

Beyond education and culture, madrasas also served as shelters for the poor, particularly students known as "mustahiqqs," who received accommodation and sustenance during their studies. These students would later contribute their knowledge to future generations.

Originating along the Silk Roads in Baghdad, madrasas proliferated, extending their influence to eastern Chinese regions and beyond, shaping intellectual and cultural landscapes over time.