Rabat- King Mohammed VI has ordered a four-year gradual increase in the monthly allowance granted to imams. This increase will begin in 2023, the new value is the same monthly amount as the last four-year stipend rise.
King Mohammed VI has also ordered that muezzins—the person who performs the call to prayer—be given the same raise, reported the Ministry of Habous and Islamic Affairs.
In June, Moroccan Minister of Islamic Affairs Ahmed Toufiq launched a support program aimed at improving the socioeconomic status of imams around the country.
The Ministry of Islamic Affairs set a budget of MAD 1.93 billion ($192 million) in funding to enhance the imams’ situation, including monthly incentives, health coverage, and training.
For imams, the minimum monthly incentives increased from MAD 2,300 ($228.85) to MAD 2,600 ($258.70), while for 78% of religious people who perform other duties in addition to being imams, the minimum monthly incentives increased from MAD 2,500 ($248.75) to MAD 3,700 ($368.15).
The support program is also aimed at mosques; the Islamic ministry allotted financial contributions estimated at MAD 300 million annually to enhance mosques’ governance and renovation initiatives.
