In this landmark academic work, George Makdisi argues that the European university has its origins in the Islamic madrasa. He meticulously details the structure, curriculum, and legal status of institutions of learning in the medieval Islamic world, drawing direct parallels to the later development of universities in the West. This groundbreaking study challenges traditional Eurocentric views of higher education's history, presenting a compelling case for the foundational contributions of Islamic civilization. It's essential reading for historians and scholars of education.