Rabat – Morocco’s Ministry of Religious Endowments and Islamic Affairs is reinforcing its oversight of religious discourse, instructing regional delegates to ensure strict adherence to the country’s religious constants by all preachers and imams. The move, detailed in a recent ministerial note, aims to prevent any practices that could lead to “discord and confusion within the community,” according to reports.
The directive emphasizes the exclusive use of Friday sermons prepared by the Supreme Council of Ulema, which the ministry deems well-reasoned, consistent, and aligned with a national framework. This push for centralized control over religious messaging comes as the government seeks to maintain a unified interpretation of Islam within the country. The move reflects a broader effort to safeguard Morocco’s religious identity and counter extremist ideologies, a key concern for the nation’s security apparatus.
Beyond sermon content, the ministry’s note stresses adherence to established liturgical practices, including the recitation of the hizb ratib after the Fajr and Maghrib prayers, and the collective raising of supplications following obligatory prayers. These practices, deeply rooted in Moroccan Islamic tradition, are seen as essential components of communal worship and spiritual cohesion.
Concerns Over Liturgical Deviations Prompt Action
The directive follows reports of deviations from established norms within mosques, particularly in the Casablanca-Settat region. The president of the regional Council of Ulema reportedly alerted authorities to a series of infractions, prompting the ministry to issue the clarifying guidance. According to the reports, 1,313 instances of improper prayer practices were recorded, specifically involving praying with hands clasped on the chest (al-qabt), a practice the Council deems contrary to established Moroccan custom.
Emphasis on Malekite Rite and Traditional Dress
The ministry’s guidance extends to adherence to the Malekite school of Islamic jurisprudence, a dominant tradition in Morocco. Negligence regarding details of this rite is explicitly discouraged. Imams and preachers are expected to conform to traditional Moroccan dress codes, including the wearing of a djellaba or selham and a head covering. Clothing deemed “non-Moroccan” is specifically discouraged. The correct recitation of the Quran, following the Warsh reading, is also emphasized.
Minister of Religious Endowments and Islamic Affairs, Ahmed Toufiq, has been in his position since 2002, serving under multiple prime ministers including Driss Jettou, Abbas El Fassi, Abdelilah Benkirane, Saadeddine El Othmani, and currently Aziz Akhannouch, all whereas serving under King Mohammed VI. Toufiq, born in 1943, is also a historian and novelist, bringing an academic background to his role in shaping religious policy. His long tenure reflects the importance Morocco places on maintaining religious stability and promoting a specific interpretation of Islam.
Training and Sensitization for Religious Leaders
To ensure compliance, the ministry is directing regional delegates to organize awareness sessions for imams and preachers. These sessions will focus on oratory skills and the implementation of the national strategy for “guidance and transmission.” The ministry is also relying on periodic reports from the Councils of Ulema to monitor adherence to the “Guide for the Imam, the Preacher, and the Wa’adh.”
The recent directives underscore the Moroccan government’s commitment to maintaining control over religious institutions and promoting a specific vision of Islamic practice. The move is likely to be seen as a response to concerns about the potential for religious extremism and the need to preserve Morocco’s unique cultural and religious heritage. The ministry has not yet announced a timeline for the full implementation of these guidelines, but regional delegates have been instructed to begin sensitization efforts immediately.
The next step will be the regional councils’ assessment of compliance and the implementation of training programs for imams and preachers across Morocco. Further updates on this initiative are expected to be released by the Ministry of Religious Endowments and Islamic Affairs in the coming weeks.
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