Religion in Morocco

Morocco is a country where most people follow a special way of living and believing called Sunni Islam. This is not just a part of daily life; it is also the official religion of the country. Almost everyone in Morocco, about 99%, is a Muslim, and nearly all of them belong to the Sunni group.

Besides Sunni Islam, there are small groups of other beliefs. Some people follow Shia Islam, Christianity, or the Baháʼí Faith. There are also a few who do not follow any religion or have their own beliefs. Christianity in Morocco is mostly practiced by foreigners, and only a few Jewish people remain, as many moved to other places long ago.

Understanding the religions in Morocco helps us see how the country’s culture and traditions are shaped. It shows the importance of respect and peace among people who believe differently, even if those groups are very small.

Islam

Main article: Islam in Morocco

Most people in Morocco follow Islam, which is also the official religion of the country. Almost all of these people belong to a group called Sunni Islam. Islam came to Morocco in the year 680, brought by Arab leaders from Damascus. The Moroccan king sees himself as a descendant of the prophet Muhammad.

A smaller number of people follow other Islamic groups, but Sunni Islam is the most common.

Religious minorities

Christianity

Main articles: Christianity in Morocco, Roman Catholicism in Morocco, and Protestantism in Morocco

Morocco first experienced Christianity during Roman times. After the arrival of Islam, Christianity almost disappeared from the country. During Spanish and French rule in the 19th and early 20th centuries, many Europeans who practiced Roman Catholicism lived in Morocco. After Morocco gained independence in 1956, most of these Europeans left the country. Today, there are small numbers of Christians in Morocco, including some African migrants and a few Moroccans who have chosen to practice Christianity.

Judaism

Main articles: Moroccan Jews, History of the Jews in Morocco, and Jewish exodus from Arab and Muslim countries

For many years, Morocco was a home for Jewish people. After Israel was created in 1948, many Moroccan Jews moved to Israel and other countries. Today, only a few thousand Jews remain in Morocco, mostly older people living in cities like Casablanca, Rabat, and Marrakesh.

Baháʼí Faith

Main article: Baháʼí Faith in Morocco

The Baháʼí Faith began in Morocco in 1946. After Morocco became independent, some Baháʼís faced serious troubles. Today, only a small number of Baháʼís live in Morocco.

Religiosity

Main article: Islam in Morocco

Surveys show that most people in Morocco consider themselves religious. In 2019, a survey found that 82% of people said they were religious, with 44% feeling somewhat religious and 38% very religious. Younger people, especially those aged 18 to 29, were less likely to say they were religious compared to older adults. Women were also more likely than men to describe themselves as religious.

Another survey in 2021 found that about 68% of people in Morocco identified as religious, with 29% feeling somewhat religious and only a small number, about 3%, saying they were not religious at all.

Freedom of religion

Main article: Freedom of religion in Morocco

The government in Morocco has a big role in how Muslims practice their religion, and saying bad things about Islam in public can lead to fines or going to jail.

Only Islam and Judaism are recognized as religions that come from Morocco itself, according to the Moroccan constitution. Other religions are seen as coming from outside the country. People from other countries can usually practice their religion quietly as long as they do not criticize Islam.

There are 125 churches in Morocco, most of which follow the Catholic faith. In 2022, Morocco opened the first university campus synagogue in the Arab world, showing a spirit of tolerance.