Morocco only Islamic state upholding Commander of the Faithful institution (official)
Morocco-Regional, Religion, 4/4/2003

Seen from a political point of view, Morocco is the only Islamic state upholding the Commander of the Faithful (Amir Al Mouminine) institution, embodied by King Mohammed VI, "who belongs to the family of the Prophet Sidna Mohamed's descendents," said Morocco's minister of Waqf and Islamic Affairs, Ahmed Taoufiq.

Talking at the first World Congress of Spanish-speaking Muslims, held in Seville on Thursday, the Moroccan official stressed that the Amir Al Mouminine institution consists in preserving the doctrinal unity inspired from the sharia (Islamic law) and the Malekite Rite (in reference to Imam Malek) in terms of jurisprudence.

Morocco has also opted for multiparty system and democracy as means of expression bringing out the will of the people, said the minister, recalling in this respect the presence in the Parliament of a moderate Islamic party and the rejection of violence by Moroccan Islamist movements.

In Morocco nowadays there's a debate on modernity without renouncing to religious and traditional values, said the Moroccan official, who also recalled another no less important debate concerning the works of the Royal Commission in charge of reforming the personal status (Moudwana), including women's condition.

This congress that has brought together about two hundred experts from fourteen countries is taking place at "a historic moment" for it will contribute to the creation of a network of relations based on "the lofty values preached by Islam and the other revealed religions," he went on.

"There is no doubt that you aspire to this positive image inspired by the Islamic precepts including the practice of justice, the respect of liberties and openness on the world," added the minister, noting that despite snags and obstacles "Muslims need to be convincing through solid arguments and lofty ethics."

Taoufiq held several talks, in the fringes of this congress, with several Muslim delegations from Spain and South America.

Spanish-speaking Muslim community in the world accounts for about 12 million worshipers, while the Moroccan expatriates living is Spain represents 85 per cent of the whole Muslim community in Spain.

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