A medresa is an educational institution in the Islamic world, primarily focused on teaching Islamic theology and law. These schools often provide a comprehensive education that includes subjects like Arabic language, literature, and sometimes science and mathematics. Medresas have historically played a crucial role in the education of Muslim scholars and leaders. Typically associated with mosques, medresas serve as centers for community learning and religious instruction. They can vary in size and structure, ranging from small local schools to large universities. Many notable scholars, such as Al-Ghazali and Ibn Khaldun, studied or taught in medresas, contributing significantly to Islamic thought.