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Rabat – In a testament to its commitment to religious freedom and the preservation of Islamic values, the Moroccan constitution guarantees the rights of its citizens to practice their religious affairs, says a new US State Department report on religious freedom.
The constitution, which recognizes Islam as the religion of the state, ensures the fundamental rights of freedom of thought, expression, and assembly for all individuals.
Released on Monday, the report maintains that under Morocco’s constitutional framework, every citizen has the right to freely practice their religious beliefs.
The Moroccan state, as outlined in the constitution, is tasked with safeguarding this freedom and guarantees the protection of individuals’ religious affairs.
To preserve the sanctity and integrity of religions, the Moroccan constitution also establishes provisions that prohibit the formation of political parties based on religion.
The law in Morocco also penalizes the use of enticements or inducements to sway individuals’ religious beliefs, promoting a climate of religious tolerance and freedom of choice, the report maintains.
In accordance with the provisions stated in the general tax code, various legal measures are in place to ensure the support and facilitation of religious activities for recognized religious groups.
The measures encompass a range of benefits, grants, subsidies, and customs exemptions that aim to promote the religious practices and operations of specific religious communities.
Among the beneficiaries of these provisions are the Sunni Muslim and Jewish communities, who enjoy tax benefits and other incentives to aid their religious activities.
Morocco stands as a shining example in the region, where religious freedom and the preservation of Islamic principles are enshrined in its constitution.
Morocco’s fight against religious extremism
The Ministry of Endowments and Islamic Affairs (MEIA) is taking significant steps to combat violent extremism and promote interfaith dialogue in the country, the report shows.
In its ongoing efforts, the ministry has been actively involved in guiding and monitoring the content of sermons delivered in mosques, as well as Islamic religious education and the dissemination of Islamic religious material through broadcast media.
By overseeing the content of sermons, the MEIA aims to ensure that the messages being conveyed align with the principles of peace, tolerance, and moderation.
The proactive approach is seen as a crucial tool in countering violent extremism and promoting a more harmonious society. The ministry’s focus on monitoring the dissemination of Islamic religious material through broadcast media further underscores its commitment to combating extremist messaging and ideology.
Another significant initiative in the fight against violent extremism has been undertaken by the Rabita Mohammadia des Oulema, also known as the Mohammadia League of Scholars or the Rabita.
The league, established in 2006, has played a vital role as the government’s lead institution in countering violent extremism and promoting interfaith dialogue.
One notable program initiated by the Rabita is the training of Islamic social media influencers. Since its launch in 2021, the program has trained 160 individuals who have actively participated in countering online extremist messaging and ideology.
Read Also: Morocco Reaffirms Commitment Toward Religious Tolerance
