This effort is guided by a holistic vision, authentic in its conception and inclusive in its implementation, with the backdrop being the role of guarantor of freedom of worship played by His Majesty the King.
Royal leadership and a bold vision at the highest level of the state have been crucial in realizing this reform program. The result has been remarkable: Morocco now possesses a form of soft power that makes it a respected interlocutor on the international stage.
The journey began exactly 20 years ago. In 2004, Morocco laid the foundations of its new policy in the religious domain.
Considering new challenges, Morocco restructured its religious sphere with a focus on adherence to the Nation’s doctrinal unity under the supremacy of the Maliki rite.
The main aspects of this reform were outlined by the Sovereign in the Royal Speech of April 2004, when His Majesty the King noted the beginning of the finalization and implementation of an integrated, comprehensive, and multidimensional strategy. This strategy, overseen by the Sovereign, is based on three pillars aimed at revitalizing and renewing the religious sphere to protect Morocco against the tendencies of extremism and terrorism, and to preserve its identity marked by balance, moderation, and tolerance.
Thus, the Ministry of Endowments and Islamic Affairs was restructured. A dahir (royal decree) was issued creating a directorate for original education and another responsible for mosques.
The Councils of Ulema (religious scholars) were revitalized. Scholars known for their erudition were encouraged to work closely with citizens, especially the youth, to protect them from extremist or misleading tendencies.
The backbone of the restructuring of the religious sphere has been the modernization of Islamic education to promote a solid grounding in Islamic sciences across all disciplines within a unified national framework.
The Kingdom has relied on strong institutions and a set of mechanisms acting on three levels in implementing this strategy: preventing the root causes of extremism, deconstructing narratives of hatred, and developing mechanisms to contain radicalism.
This approach has been reflected in several areas, including protecting identity diversity, strengthening resilience against extremist ideologies, and combating socio-economic factors that could lead to radicalization.
The process has unfolded along this well-defined path, with successive measures producing tangible results, illustrating the relevance of an approach marked by coherence and moderation, recognized by the Kingdom’s partners.
“The reforms have contributed to the renewal of an Islam based on the values of moderation, coexistence, and living together,” agrees Yousef Casewit, professor of Quranic studies at the American University of Chicago.
This renewal has generated significant interest, particularly in Africa, which seeks to protect itself from radical trends.
Faithful to its tradition of sharing, Morocco has made its experience available to countries on the continent, notably through the Mohammed VI Institute for the Training of Imams, Murshidin, and Murshidat (male and female religious counselors), and the Mohammed VI Foundation for African Ulema: the two mechanisms responsible for deploying the new Moroccan strategy.
This sharing is based on the founding principle of spiritual interdependence, uniting approaches and appreciations, but more importantly, the convictions of the heart and the commitments of responsibilities.
The creation of the Mohammed VI Institute for the Training of Imams, Murshidin and Murshidat and the Mohammed VI Foundation for African Ulema has proven to be “a wise decision,” indicates Casewit, emphasizing that this decision highlights “Morocco’s leadership in the region as an epicenter of knowledge and religious sciences.”
The aura of HM King Mohammed VI, as a descendant of the prophet and custodian of the supreme Imamate, reinforces Morocco’s position as a land of sharing, tolerance, and peace, with the Sovereign symbolizing this enlightened Islam, a shield against the rise of extremism that undermines all development efforts.
Miguel Ángel Moratinos, High Representative of the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations, underscores the transformative impact of these reforms initiated since the beginning of HM the King’s reign.
“Throughout its history, Morocco has contributed to creating a culture of mutual respect, acceptance of others, and living together, serving as a regional and international reference for building a better world based on respect and coexistence,” he says.
The reform of the religious sphere, a continuous process, has endowed the Kingdom with unique soft power. From Asia to the Americas, including Europe and Africa, many countries have expressed their desire to cooperate with the Kingdom: an essential partner whose influence and wisdom are valuable in curbing extremist fervor that threatens global peace and security.
