A very short history of Morocco
Morocco is a country in North Africa that has a rich and diverse history. The Islamic influence on Morocco began in the 7th century, when Arab armies conquered the region and spread Islam among the Berber tribes. Morocco became part of various Islamic dynasties, such as the Umayyads, the Almoravids, the Almohads, the Marinids, the Wattasids, and the Saadis. Each dynasty left its mark on the culture, politics, and architecture of Morocco.
Morocco also had interactions with other Islamic regions and civilizations, such as Andalusia in Spain, the Ottoman Empire in Turkey, and West Africa. Morocco was a center of learning and trade, attracting scholars, merchants, and travelers from different parts of the Islamic world. Morocco also played a role in defending Islam from external threats, such as the Crusades and the Portuguese invasions.
Morocco’s Islamic identity was challenged by the colonial presence of France and Spain in the 19th and 20th centuries. However, Morocco resisted colonial domination and maintained its sovereignty and independence. Morocco also participated in the nationalist and anti-colonial movements that swept across the Muslim world in the 20th century. Morocco became a constitutional monarchy in 1956, with Islam as the state religion.
Today, Morocco is a modern and diverse country that embraces its Islamic heritage and values. Morocco is a member of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and the Arab League. Morocco also has strong ties with other Muslim countries, especially in Africa and the Middle East. Morocco is known for its tolerance and coexistence among different religious and ethnic groups. Morocco’s Islamic culture is reflected in its art, literature, music, cuisine, and architecture.
Morocco has a rich and fascinating history of Islam that dates back to the 7th century. According to Wikipedia, Islam was first brought to Morocco in 680 A.D. by an Arab invasion under the Uqba ibn Nafi, who was a general serving under the Umayyads of Damascus. He conquered most of the Maghreb, which includes modern Morocco, Tunisia, Algeria and Libya. The indigenous Berber population slowly converted to Islam over time.
In 788, the Shia Idrisids who espoused pro Zaydi views ruled large parts of Morocco. They were the first major Muslim dynasty in the country and claimed descent from the Prophet Muhammad. Their contemporaries included the heretical Barghawata state and the Khariji state of Sijilmasa, which followed different sects of Islam.
The Idrisids were succeeded by several other dynasties and religious movements that came and went, such as the Almoravids, the Almohads, the Marinids, the Wattasids, the Saadis and the Alaouites. Some of them expanded their territories beyond Morocco and influenced other regions in West Africa, Spain and Algeria. Some of them also promoted a specific school of Islamic jurisprudence or madhab, such as the Maliki madhab, which is still the most prominent in Morocco today.
Morocco became a French protectorate in 1912 under the Treaty of Fez, but the sultan retained his role as the religious leader of the country. The nationalist movement Istiqlal (Independence) was founded in 1943 to press for independence and was supported by many Muslims who resented French interference in their religious affairs. Morocco gained its independence in 1956 and Sultan Mohammed became King Mohammed V. He was succeeded by his son King Hassan II in 1961 and his grandson King Mohammed VI in 1999.
The Moroccan constitution states that Islam is the official religion of the state and that the king is “the Commander of the Faithful” (Amir al-Mu’minin) and “the protector of Islam” (Hami al-Din). The king appoints religious scholars and officials, oversees religious education and endowments, and chairs the Supreme Council of Ulema (religious scholars). The king also claims his legitimacy as a descendant of the Prophet Muhammad through his ancestor Moulay Idriss I.
Islam in Morocco is characterized by its diversity and tolerance. There are different sects and movements within Islam, such as Sunni, Shia, Sufi, Salafi, Quranist and non-denominational Muslims. There are also different expressions of Islamic culture and art, such as music, poetry, architecture, calligraphy and handicrafts. Islam in Morocco is also influenced by its interactions with other religions and cultures, such as Judaism, Christianity, Berberism and Andalusianism.
Islam in Morocco is a living and dynamic faith that continues to evolve and adapt to changing times and circumstances. It is also a source of identity, values and inspiration for millions of Moroccans who practice it with enthusiasm and devotion.
History of Morocco — Wikipedia
Morocco | History, Map, Flag, Capital, People, & Facts | Britannica
Morocco profile — Timeline — BBC News
Religion in Morocco — Wikipedia
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