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Ministry of Habous and Islamic Affairs

The Ministry of Habous and Islamic Affairs () is the ministry of the Government of Morocco responsible for the management of religious affairs and the administration of habous (Islamic endowments). It plays a central role in the organization of religious life in Morocco and in the implementation of state policies related to Islam.

The ministry is headquartered in Rabat and is currently headed by Ahmed Toufiq, who has served as minister since 2002.

History

The administration of religious affairs in Morocco has historically been closely linked to the monarchy, which holds the title of Amir al-Mu'minin (Commander of the Faithful). Since 1956, the Moroccan state progressively structured its religious institutions, leading to the establishment of a dedicated ministry responsible for religious affairs and endowments.

The ministry evolved from earlier administrative bodies overseeing mosques, religious education, and charitable endowments. Its current institutional framework was consolidated in the late 20th century as part of broader efforts to centralize and modernize religious governance.

Functions

The Ministry of Habous and Islamic Affairs is responsible for a wide range of activities related to religious administration, including:

  • the management and supervision of mosques and places of worship;
  • the administration of habous (religious endowments);
  • the organization of religious education and training of imams and preachers;
  • the oversight of religious discourse in coordination with the Supreme Council of Ulema;
  • the organization of the annual Hajj pilgrimage for Moroccan pilgrims;
  • the promotion of a state-defined religious framework based on the Maliki school of Sunni Islam.

The ministry also contributes to programs aimed at countering religious extremism and promoting moderate religious practices.

Role within the Moroccan political system

The Ministry of Habous and Islamic Affairs operates within the framework of Morocco’s constitutional monarchy, in which the King holds religious authority as Amir al-Mu'minin. In this context, the ministry implements policies defined under the religious prerogatives of the monarchy.

It plays a key role in maintaining the institutional organization of Islam in Morocco and ensuring the alignment of religious practices with official doctrine.

Organization

The ministry is structured into several directorates and departments responsible for different aspects of its mandate, including:

  • mosque affairs;
  • religious education;
  • Islamic endowments (habous);
  • pilgrimage organization;
  • administrative and financial management.

It operates in coordination with regional and local religious authorities, as well as with the network of ulema councils across the country.

See also

References