Moroccan king stresses moderation in Islam, opposition to extremism

Morocco's King Mohammed VI has said his North African nation wanted to follow a model of religious management which seeks to "protect the citizens and society against extremism, reclusiveness and ignorance".

"I attach as much importance to improving the citizens' living conditions as I do to safeguarding their spiritual well-being and to consolidating the Moroccan model for the management of the religious domain", said the sovereign in a speech delivered Wednesday on the 15th throne day anniversary, noting that this "distinct model is the result of the thorough reforms we have introduced over the last fifteen years...."

He said his policy was for "protecting mosques from any kind of exploitation, making sure they remain places of worship, where guidance is provided and literacy promoted".

The major feature of this plan, he said, was to provide "enlightened religious training that is grounded in the principles of moderation and that seeks to preserve our immutable Islamic values while promoting ijtihad and openness".

"Through this approach, we are making sure our pristine faith is consistent with our national choices and the requirements of modern times", the King said, recalling that this model has been "commended both at African and international levels".