Religious Freedom in Morocco

Islam is the official religion of the Moroccan State, but the constitution formally guarantees freedom of religion for minority faiths. Jews and Christians openly practice their religion, but proselytizing is prohibited and missionaries often face imprisonment and expulsion. The Moroccan King, known as the “Commander of the Faithful,” claims to be a direct descendant of the Prophet Mohammad. Denying the Monarch’s role as a spiritual leader, or defaming Islam in general, is outlawed even for members of parliament who otherwise enjoy legal immunity. Through the Ministry of Endowments and Islamic Affairs, the state approves sermons, monitors Imams, and ensures that Mosques do not become meeting places for political activists. Morocco’s small Jewish population is allowed considerable autonomy to worship and follow traditional Jewish law and the Moroccan State provides special security for Jewish holidays and festivals. Small populations of expatriate and Berber Christians are permitted to worship in private homes or in designated churches without government interference. The Moroccan state activity discourages the spread of Shi’a Islam, often claiming that the Shi’a are subversive and promote the interest of the Iranian government. The state security apparatus disrupts the distribution of Shi’a literature and arrests and detains Shi’a leaders. The Moroccan Government actively promoting greater female participation in Islamic institutions and since 2006 the government has been training female imams.