Ever wondered what it’s like to study in the shadow of the holiest city in Islam? That’s the unique experience offered right here at Jamiah Umm al Qura.
Jamiah Umm al Qura, or Umm al-Qura University, isn’t just any university. It holds a special place in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Its roots trace back to 1949. It began as the College of Sharia. This was during the reign of King Abdulaziz ibn Saud. Over time, more colleges joined. In 1981, a royal decree officially established Umm al-Qura University.
Initially, Jamiah Umm al Qura focused on Islamic Law and Arabic language. But it has expanded far beyond that. Now, you can find courses in technology management and business. Islamic economics and marketing are also popular. Engineering, medicine and architecture departments thrive here. They even delve into applied, social, and engineering sciences.
Did you know that Jamiah Umm al Qura has multiple campuses? They’re spread across Mecca. You’ll find them in Abidiyyah, Aziziyah, and Al-Zahir. Other locations include Al-Lith, Al-Qundufah and Jamoom. The university has grown significantly since its early days.
Let’s talk numbers. Jamiah Umm al Qura boasts over 5,000 academic staff. It educates more than 100,000 undergraduate students. Around 10,000 postgraduates also call this place home. The university’s annual budget is around SR 3.5 billion. That’s about 900 million US dollars.
One of the notable alumni of Jamiah Umm al Qura is Abdul-Rahman Al-Sudais. He is an Imam and President at the Masjid al-Haram. Another alumnus is Assim al-Hakeem, a Saudi Arabian Islamic scholar.
Looking at the academic structure, the College of Da’wa offers studies in Islamic Call and Fundamentals of Religion. It was established in 1981. It includes departments for Da’wa, Kitab and Sunna. You’ll also find departments for Aqidah and Qera’at.
The College of Arabic Language is another key part of Jamiah Umm al Qura. It has departments focusing on linguistics, rhetoric, and literature.
The College of Engineering and Islamic Architecture is also noteworthy. It was established in 1982. It offers degrees in Islamic architecture, electrical engineering, and more.
The College of Applied Sciences was the first scientific college here, established in 1990. It covers physics, mathematics, chemistry and biology.
In recent years, Jamiah Umm al Qura has climbed the global rankings. It’s now recognized among the top universities worldwide. This reflects its commitment to quality education.
Student life at Jamiah Umm al Qura is vibrant. The university encourages involvement in clubs and organizations. They cover academic, cultural, and sports interests.
So, as you stand here, consider the rich history and diverse academic environment of Jamiah Umm al Qura. It’s a place where tradition meets modernity. It prepares students to contribute to the world.