البرامج التعليمية عند الموحدين

Abstract

 The Almohad Movement, started by Ibn Tumart in southern Morocco, brought a sophisticated culture and valuable knowledge of science and literacy. The Almohads showed an unusually high commitment to public education and pioneered the development of compulsory learning for ordinary people. Under the leadership of Abd al-Mumin bin Ali, who succeeded Ibn Tumart as head of the Almohads, Marrakech became the capital city of scholarship and large endowments were dedicated to meet students’ needs for food and drink. Further, the Caliph Abu Yakub Yusuf was known for his zeal for scholarship and succeeded in gathering around him a significant number of scholars. This article, therefore, argues that the Almohads’ effort to foster learning is nothing short of impressive. Yet, the most controversial aspect of Almohadism is undoubtedly its recognition of Ibn Tumart as the “Mahdi” while also encouraging rational and reflective approaches to religion.