Doha – As each year with the approach of Ramadan, the Hassan II Foundation for Moroccans Residing Abroad mobilizes religious leaders to support Moroccan communities across North America and Europe.
This year, the foundation is deploying 272 religious leaders from February 27 to April 1, to provide spiritual guidance and cultural activities throughout the holy month.
The delegation comprises a diverse group of qualified religious scholars and leaders, including 38 university professors, 39 preachers with doctorates, 44 with master’s degrees, and 60 with bachelor’s degrees.
Additionally, 60 preachers will conduct both sermons and Quran memorization sessions, while 31 imams will lead Tarawih prayers.
The distribution of these religious leaders across 13 countries reflects the concentration of Moroccan communities abroad, with France receiving the largest contingent of 75 preachers.
Other significant allocations include 40 in Germany, 38 in Spain, 33 each in the Netherlands and Belgium, 27 in Italy, 10 in Canada, and 6 in the United States. Smaller delegations will serve in Sweden (4), England (2), Norway (2), and one each in Hungary and Iceland.
The initiative is part of the Hassan II Foundation’s long-standing commitment to maintaining cultural and spiritual connections with Moroccan expatriates.
Read also: Imams, Mosques, and Moderate Islam: Morocco’s Soft Power Play in Africa
Established in 1990 by the late King Hassan II and currently presided over by Princess Lalla Meryem, the foundation operates as a non-profit institution with legal status and financial autonomy.
Since 1992, it has been supporting associations and mosques in organizing various activities, including seminars and Quranic recitation competitions for children.
This program goes in line with Morocco’s broader religious diplomacy efforts, which include initiatives such as the Mohammed VI Institute for the Training of Imams and the Mohammed VI Foundation of African Ulema.
The foundation will present the detailed program at a meeting in Rabat on February 25, with 50 delegation members expected to attend.
Operating with a staff of over 700 people, including more than 600 abroad, the Hassan II Foundation continues its mission to help Moroccan expatriates maintain fundamental ties with their homeland while addressing challenges related to their emigration.
The foundation’s strategic importance is recognized by law, with its Delegated President’s appointment governed by organic law No. 02/12 in accordance with Articles 49 and 92 of the Constitution.
