underdevelopment, colonialism, civilisation clash have not helped in 'understanding the other', lecturer
Morocco, Religion, 10/20/2004

Underdevelopment, colonialism, cold war, civilisation clash and ideological differences have not helped "to understand the other so as to treat him on an equal footing," said a lecturer at the start of the religious lecture cycle chaired every year by Morocco's King Mohammed VI on the occasion of the holy month of Ramadan (fasting month).

According to Ahmed Taoufiq, Minister of Habous (endowments) and Islamic Affairs who was giving this first lecture under the theme "The management of relation between politics and religion," politics are one of society organisation modes, while religion is to orient these modes and accompany them.

Moslems have been keen on upholding the uniqueness of God and the implementation of the tenets contained in the Holy Koran, said Toufiq noting that the History of Moslems went through many reforms and that underdevelopment, colonialism, the cold war, civilisation clash and ideological differences have not helped "to understand the other so as to treat him on an equal footing."

He added that reformers' interpretation efforts have created discord in many Islamic countries rather than solutions helping orient Moslems on the right path. Theoretical debate on relation between religion and politics "does not concern Morocco, for its religious legitimacy is unanimously acknowledged and is source of pride for the nation," the minister emphasized adding the relation is based on the continuity of History and the institution of Amir al Mouminine, commander of the faithful in the person of the King.

The king sees to the protection of the religion through his action, including the restructuring of the religion field, the adoption of the family code, the solicitude he grants to Ulemas (religious scholars), said Toufiq stressing that one of these actions is the newly created Koran broadcasting radio.

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