Lauren Selking

GCU 114

Religion in Morocco

The original inhabitants of Morocco were the Berber people. The Berbers were not

governed but each nomadic tribe had its own leader and for that reason they did not have a

common religion. Organized religion was not introduced in such a wide spread fashion until the

invasion of the Arabic people in the 7th century. The Arabs introduced Islam to the Berber

people. Moroccan citizens are still free to practice whatever religion they please but about 99%

of the population in Islamic. The other 1% is made up of Christianity and Judaism.

Islam has done many things to influence the lifestyles of those that practice it in

Morocco. Firstly, there is prayer, Muslims must pray five time a day and are supposed to pray in

a mosque, however many only make it to the mosque for midday prayer. Industrialization has

made certain aspects of practicing Islam more difficult that it is in rural areas. Working

traditional 9 to 5 jobs mean that it may be impossible to reach the mosque five times a day for

prayer. The biggest way that Islam affects its followers is Ramadan. Ramadan is fasting during

the day and having a meal at night, the fasting takes place during all daylight hours. So visiting

Morocco or any majority Islamic country during Ramadan may be that during the day you may

have a tough time finding food as many restaurants close, or that you may encounter some

people grumpy from hunger.

For Islam the most sacred place is Mecca. Mohammed the most respected of the prophets

of God was born in Mecca. Mecca is the site of the Islamic pilgrimage, which according to the

five pillars of Islam is a basic religious duty and cornerstone of the faith if one is financially and

physically able. Morocco is also home to a sacred site. The great-grandchild of Mohammed, Idris
ibn Abdalla, fled from Baghdad in anticipation of the spilt between the Sunni and Shia, and

moved into the old Roman city of Volubilis in Morocco. He then traveled to a nearby region that

was then called Zerhoun or Moulay Idris where he founded a town. The local Berber tribes were

convinced of his powers to be able to lead as a king but also as a spiritual leader. The town of

Zerhoun is now considered a holy city in the Islamic faith.

Moroccos government has passed the Islamic Affairs Act and created the Ministry of

Religions Foundation in order to gain support and strengthen for Islam. In 1961 the orthodox

religious authorities passed succession of the throne to King Hassan the 11 th which helped

strengthen the Islamic faith in Morocco. Since the time of Idris ibn Abdalla decedents of

Mohammed have had a place in government. Which has helped unify the country as the citizens

feel a respect for the decedents of Muhammed and it is a source of pride to have them in

government.

Islam plays a huge role in the lives and customs of the inhabitants of Morocco. From

organized prayer throughout the day to having such a huge role in government Islam dictates

many aspects of 99% of the populations lives. Having such a uniting force in a country can have

many benefits. The country isnt at religious unrest and needing to have civil wars, also the

majority of the people share similar customs and routines. Having a country so much on the

same page per say you would expect many decisions to be made the same way and that the

population should almost always be in agreement.

 Works Cited

n.d.). Retrieved October 17, 2017, from

http://acad.depauw.edu/~mkfinney/teaching/Com227/culturalportfolios/Morocco/W-

Religion.html

(n.d.). Retrieved October 17, 2017, from

http://www.africa.upenn.edu/Country_Specific/Morco_relgn.html

Religion. (n.d.). Retrieved October 17, 2017, from

http://www.frommers.com/destinations/morocco/religion
Sacred Sites of Morocco. (n.d.). Retrieved October 17, 2017, from
https://sacredsites.com/africa/morocco/sacred_sites_of_morocco.html