Rabat – King Mohammed VI today visited King Mohammed V’s darih (tomb) in Rabat on the tenth day of Ramadan which coincides with the death anniversary of the late King.
Crown Prince Moulay El Hassan and Prince Moulay Rachid accompanied King Mohammed VI.
The late monarch died of heart failure on February 26, 1961, which coincided with the 10th day of Ramadan in the year 1380 according to the Islamic calendar.
King Mohammed V is remembered for his efforts to restore peace and independence in Morocco in the face of French and Spanish colonialism.
In 1927, he was crowned Moroccan Sultan. He continued to rule throughout the colonial era, independence struggle, and post-colonial Morocco.
While the bulk of the country gained independence from France in 1956, Spanish colonial forces continued to control its southern provinces.
Because he was a symbol of Moroccans’ nationalist resistance to colonialism, French authorities perceived King Mohammed V as a threat to their colonial rule. This prompted France to exile the Moroccan monarch along with his family members to Corsia on the eve of Eid al-Adha in 1953, and then to Madagascar in 1954.
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During the King’s exile, Moroccans continued to fight for independence and the return of the late monarch. Soon rumors about his face being visible on the full moon began to spread in Morocco, further cementing his stature among Moroccan nationalists. Many Moroccans continue to believe this story until today.
On November 16, 1955, the late King and his family returned to Morocco. He continued to play a major and active role in supporting the national independence movement.
By late 1955, Mohammed V agreed to gradually restore Morocco’s independence after a series of negotiations with France and Spain.
Morocco officially gained independence from France on March 2, 1956. However, Moroccans annually celebrate Independence Day on November 18, in remembrance of King Mohammed V’s iconic independence speech on November 18, 1856.
Mohammed V’s legacy continues today with oral and written stories about his patriotism and bravery. One of the most famous stories about the King’s legacy narrates his role in protecting Moroccan Jews from Nazi concentration camps. “There are no Jews in Morocco, there are only Moroccan subjects,” he said.
The Mohammed V Foundation for Solidarity has been named after the late monarch to sustain his commitment to humanitarian actions. Over the years, the foundation has carried out numerous programs to support vulnerable social groups as well as promote sustainable development.
On April 5, King Mohammed VI launched the foundation’s annual Ramadan campaign. This year, “Ramadan 1443” will support 3 million Moroccans in vulnerable situations including elderlies, widows, and people with special needs.
The campaign provides packages of groceries such as sugar, tea, and flour on the occasion of the holy month.
