Religion in Morocco: Islam

Morocco is a Muslim country, representing 99 % of the population. Morocco is one of the Muslim countries that will surely fascinate you. Some people are hugely influenced by media outlets such as the Internet, TV, and Radio regarding how they view Muslim countries. Thus, visiting Morocco will change your perceptions and stereotypes about the Islamic world. Morocco is one of the Muslim countries that will surely fascinate you.

When visiting Morocco, you can expect to have an unforgettable lifetime experience. It is important to understand and appreciate the cultural backgrounds of the places you visit. In order to be respectful and mindful of cultural differences, it is recommended to follow certain rules and etiquette. This does not mean that you need to change who you are, but rather to be considerate of the customs and traditions of the country you are visiting.

The best way to get an unforgettable experience while visiting Morocco is to blend with the locals. This way, you will discover so much more about the culture and Islam religion in general. It will present some of the most life-changing experiences you may not otherwise experience if you only stayed in tourist-designated places.

No two Muslim countries are the same. Thus, it would be wise not to put the Islamic world in a homogenous category. This is because each country has its own rules and traditions. Some countries are stricter than others, and Morocco is not one of those countries. Morocco has no hard and fast rules and is known to be a model of tolerance and modernity in the Islamic world.

Being sensitive to Moroccan customs and manners will surely be noticed and appreciated. Thus, it would be helpful to research the country you are visiting, in this case, Morocco.

Religion in Morocco: Top 4 Things that You Need to Know

Here are some do’s and don’ts that you need to be aware of when traveling to Morocco.

1. Visiting Mosque:

• Visiting a mosque in Morocco is a place you would not want to miss. This is because you will learn much about the Islamic religion, and your visit will be educational and informational. Before entering the mosque, it is best to accompany the person responsible for the mosque, especially the Imam.
• Considering some rules and expectations when visiting a mosque would be best. These include taking your shoes off before entering a mosque, and tourist women need to dress modestly, wearing long dresses and hair covering.
• Not entering a mosque and looking around while praying is vital because it may interrupt the praying session. Muslims pray five times daily, and tourists mostly visit a mosque during daytime prayers, mainly before noon.
• Men must remember that a separate entry within the mosque is kept for men and women. This is for respecting each gender and not for exclusion, and it is part of religion and culture.

2. Dress Code and Displaying Affection:

• Even though the Moroccan dress code is not as strict as in other Muslim countries, Islam has fully highlighted modesty and dignity. Therefore, dressing modestly and being thoughtful will surely be appreciated. It is a fabulous way to show appreciation and respect. Morocco is not strict regarding the outfit. Thus, it has the liberty of what to wear as long as it is not excessive.
• Women must ensure that their outfits do not reveal shoulders or upper legs. The outfit needs to be loose and not too tight to attract attention. These same principles apply to men as they, too, need to dress modestly. It is important to note that there are some Moroccans who wear modern and revealing outfits, and they do not follow the teachings of Islam.
• While visiting Morocco, avoid public displays of affection such as hugging and kissing. These practices will surely be disrespectful and inconsiderate. Morocco highly respects other religious minorities and tourists who come to visit. Thus, it is vital to consider what Moroccan people consider respectful.

3. Shaking Hands, Approaching Women and Taking Photo:

• In Islamic countries, the general rule is for men to approach and converse with other men. Women are to do the same with their gender. This is not to say that you can never approach the opposite gender. The rules in Morocco are not as strict as in some countries. This will not be frowned upon if you are respectful and purposeful. While in a public space, if you need help, approach the male companion. Also, try not to approach a female companion, especially if they are a couple/married.
• Be mindful that a Moroccan might shake hands with the same gender, not the opposite gender. So, do not be offended when the opposite gender doesn’t shake hands with you. This is just part of the culture. However, not all Moroccans practice this. Also, try not to take photos of people without their permission. This will be considered disrespectful and a breach of their privacy.

4. Dinning with Moroccans and Drinking in Public:

• In Morocco, hospitality is considered an important virtue and a way of life. The people of Morocco are widely known for their warm and friendly nature towards visitors. One of the most common ways this hospitality is expressed is through offering and sharing food.
• Drinking in public is considered disrespectful, especially getting drunk and behaving insultingly due to excessive drinking. Also, avoid drinking while driving, as there is zero tolerance for drinking and driving. There is no safe speed limit for drinking and driving in Morocco.
• In Morocco, it is a common cultural practice for women to sit and eat separately from men during family dinners and other social gatherings. This tradition is rooted in Islamic teachings, which emphasize modesty, respect, and gender segregation. However, it is essential to note that not all Moroccan families adhere to this practice, and some may choose to have mixed-gender dining experiences. Suppose you are invited to a Moroccan family’s house for dinner. In that case, it is always a good idea to inquire about their dining customs beforehand to avoid any unintentional breaches of etiquette.
• If you are a visitor to Morocco, you might find that you are offered food more often than you are used to. However, this should not be taken as an imposition or an attempt to overfeed you. Instead, it is a gesture of goodwill and a way for Moroccans to express their generosity and welcome you into their culture.

  Hospitality and food are so intertwined in Moroccan culture that it is often said that a guest in Morocco is a king. Hosts will go out of their way to ensure their guests are comfortable and well-fed.

  So, if you are invited to somebody’s house in Morocco, it is customary to accept their offer of food and drink. This is a sign of respect and an opportunity to experience some of the delicious flavors and dishes unique to Moroccan cuisine.

  Overall, the warmth and generosity of the Moroccan people are a reflection of their culture and traditions. By sharing their food and hospitality with visitors, they welcome them into their homes and hearts.