Moroccan Sufi scholars give priority to social, educational and moral aspects of life, said King Mohammed
Morocco, Religion, 9/11/2004

Moroccan Sufi scholars have been keen on giving priority to social, educational and moral aspects of life. They have sought particularly to teach the holy Quran and spread its precepts through an approach which appeals to the heart of believers and enhances trust in the mercy of the Almighty, King Mohammed VI said.

The sovereign, Commander of the Faithful, in a letter to the first world meeting "Sidi Shiker" of Sufi followers, read by Islamic affairs minister Ahmed Toufiq on Friday in Marrakech, added that Moroccan Sufi scholars have alawys supported legitimate imamat (commendarship), preserved the Malikite rite and the Ashari doctrine.

They also worked to suppress people's hunger for power, instill them more humility and gratitude to the Almighty, rejected all forms of self-centerdness and tyranny, as well as helped educate a number of key figures who harbored no contradiction between universalism and true patriotism.

In the letter to the meeting, held under the aegis of King Mohammed VI, the soverign said Moroccans understand that the essence of Islam consists in purifying the soul, ridding it of selfishness, hatred and extremism. However, the constant exercise of self restraint is necessary in order to reach the state of spiritual fulfilment commonly known as Sufism.

Sufism has been practised in Morocco by brotherhoods, which were like spiritual center of learning and served Islam well by instilling its values through Zaouias, the soveriegn said adding "my ancestors always had the greatest respect for the custodians of these Zaouias seeking their advice in times of hardship or adversity..."

The Zaouias have also fostered feelings of love and affection for the Prophet's keen, built schools and libraries, reconciled people and brought them closer together, spread the values of solidarity and mutual assistance and stamped out ethic and tribal discrimination by fostering brotherhood, the sovereign said.

Today mankind needs to foster the values of tolerance, solidarity and selflessness and discourage unbridled egoistic propencities, said the sovereign adding that Muslems ought to give new meaning to the ideals which used to determine their moral standards.

The sovereign called on the participants, come from several countries, "to work together in order to fulfil the objectives and ideals you have in common regardless of your different backgrounds and pedagogical approaches for they all lead to the same True faith in which you believe and to which you owe your common perception."

The achievement of these goals hinges on the need for tolerance which today more than any time makes it incumbent to seek to redress people's perception of Islam, first among fellow Muslems, then among believers of other faiths, underscored the sovereign.

King Mohammed VI said that freedom of organisation and entreprise, which is guaranteed by the law, opens vast prospects for creative forces that were previously stiffled because of fear, exclusion or monopoly. Thanks to the equitable democratic measures now in place, nothing can stand in the way of benevolent, caring initiatives or endeavors to achieve man's happiness and improve his conditions.

"The experience you have gained as you sought to achieve the objectives should enable you to give new meaning to the religious, educational and social domains, which must remain above any politicking or cheap manipulations; You should therefore remains committed to the true ideals of Sufism which combine piety, virtue and good conduct, on the one hand, with sincere and selfless action, on the other," the soverign stressed.

King Mohammed VI called on the participants to "cooperate and communicate among yourselves thereby reflecting the spirit of your conference here in the kingdom of Morocco, a country that has always symbolized tolerance between the revealed religions and been firmly committed to moderation.

"Morocco is strongly attached to its authentic values and principles, constantly upholds the ideal of open mindedness and concrod and believes in the virtues of mutual exchange and enrichment among individuals, communities and civilisations," said the sovereign.

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