Morocco to train 45,000 imams
2009-07-02
A new programme will provide Moroccan imams with a foundation of knowledge intended to harmonise religious instruction and counter extremism in the kingdom.
By Siham Ali for Magharebia in Rabat – 02/07/09
 [Abdelhak Senna/AFP/Getty Images] Moroccan Islamic Affairs Minister Ahmed Toufik says a new training programme will put imams "in tune with the modern world". |
With 82% of Morocco's Imams lacking formal training, a new qualification programme aims to provide better religious guidance to the Moroccan people and to counter extremism.
Nearly 45,000 imams will undergo training under a new programme launched by the government on June 26th, part of a larger plan to reform religious affairs in the kingdom.
In 2004, the first religious affairs reform plan led to an overhaul of the Islamic affairs ministry, revision of the legislation on places of worship, and the modernisation of religious instruction in Morocco.
Ahmed Toufik, Minister for Islamic Affairs and Habous, explained that the 200 million-dirham programme will also offer society a grounding in religious affairs which is in tune with the modern world and careful to preserve national identity.
Some 1,500 trainers will conduct training in rural and urban communities across the kingdom, to give imams the skills they need to provide religious instruction appropriate to Moroccan society.
The training programme – based on the Maliki rite common to Morocco's Sunni Muslims – is compulsory for all imams. It includes spiritual education, discussion of the function of the mosque and other subjects covered by the High Council of Ulemas.
Since 2006, the state has selected 150 imams with university diplomas for a 12-month training programme. Now, all new imams will have to possess diplomas and undergo training.
Abdelbari Zemzemi, an imam and Member of Parliament, praised the government initiative, saying it should have been introduced long ago. Many imams, he continued, are "practically illiterate", because their knowledge is limited to memorising the Qur'an. "The imam must be an example for the public and must have a minimum of religious knowledge in order to meet people's aspirations," he said. "They have to be chosen carefully."
Mehdi Fourak, a lecturer in Islamic education, said the real objectives of the imam training programme should be questioned. "The reality about imams' level of education has been known for a long time," he asserted. "Why have they chosen to launch the programme now? Some preachers have not been toeing the state line; this can sometimes be a nuisance to the authorities."
Lahcen Daoudi, MP for the Justice and Development Party, disagrees. He said the initiative was too long in coming, but that there was no reason to jump to the wrong conclusions.
The most important thing in his estimation is to avoid looking for preachers who are all the same. Daoudi said it is essential for an imam to be qualified so that he can "understand reality", particularly in the way that Morocco is opening up, and other issues of the modern age.
Some Moroccan citizens have been happy to hear of the training programme, given that their message is so far removed from politics. Hamdi Cherif, a teacher, said that a great many preachers find themselves cut off from reality, taking outdated positions on issues that are no longer convincing.
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simo Posted 2009-07-03
Instead of these 45 thousand, it would be better to educate teachers and professors. Instead of imams, let us have teachers with good minds, not these minds that have been stuffed. Let us have open minds. Let us master the rules of competitive education and learn a few foreign languages, English being a priority. We do not need imams of the sort we see today; they are obtuse, learning and reciting the verses of the Qur'an without even understanding them. No thank you! This sort of project will harm itself and the true Islam!
Acharif Moulay Abdellah BOUSKRAOUI Posted 2009-07-03
"Acharif Moulay Abdellah's Appeal to the Muslims" (Author: Acharif) May Praise be to God Alone and prayers and respects for the Prophet, His family and His companions- Dear Muslims, I address this appeal to you, wherever you may be and from wherever you may have come. As you know, every time there is a suicide bombing, the first ones to be accused are Muslims. Have you never asked why this is??? Do you not look to resolve this problem??? I am sure that, yes, you do ask yourselves these questions and you do look for their answers. So, this is where I would like to step in and ask you to follow my advice. First, of others are accusing Muslims, then it is because behind every bombing there has been an author who pretends to be Muslim. Second, are the authors really Muslim??? Well, the answer is "No." Dear Muslims, be united and teach the world that our religion is a symbol of tolerance and peace and love. Dear Muslims, avoid those who teach violence and take good watch over your children, who could easily become prey to the false Islamists. Dear Muslims, Islam has never been a symbol of violence, as Our Prophet taught us love for everyone and taught us that Jews, Muslims and Christians are all descendents of Abraham, are our brothers. Dear Muslims, do not forget that, above all else, violence gives a poor image of Islam and Our Prophet. Dear Muslims, since when did Our God permit us to kill innocent people? He has never done so, as all religions teach love and tolerance and peace. Dear Muslims, follow my advice: being Muslims is quite a symbol of wisdom and consideration, and it means sowing love and peace, not...
BEN Posted 2009-07-03
I would have preferred the training of 45,000 teachers, young educators and so on. Nevertheless, one wonders about the use of (and similarity to) the Shiite concept in this programme. The first imam was Ali, son of the Prophet. Imams are Shiite religious philosophers or the speakers for various cults. They play a big role in these modern times, including at the heart of politics. We can note that there too do we find politics without mastering the field or understanding the social consequences that come about from doing things as such.
simo Posted 2009-07-03
Attn: Ben- I am sorry but I did not understand your comment very well. Can you be clearer or more explicit??? In any case, imams continue to play a certain role and fulfil certain functions in our society's values nowadays. If their minds are about them, then this can only be a positive thing. In any case, we do not give a **** about Suni'ism and Shi'ism. 21st-Century Islam needs to move beyond these ridiculous, false "divided" and grant more liberty to its followers to live out their faith as they see fit, privileging - if they are so prepared - they critical minds and their "ijtihad". This is an effort to get their brains working and to decide about their own souls and consciences by making certain decisions. Religion is and must be a personal issue, and Islam is moving in this direction. This is why it laid no groundwork for clergy, an intermediary between humans and their creator. Okay???
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