Morocco launches 997 summer Quran centers for diaspora youth amid religious outreach efforts

Reconnecting Roots: Morocco Launches Summer Quran Program for Diaspora Youth

Over 997 centers nationwide offer spiritual enrichment and combatting doctrinal shifts.

This summer, the Ministry of Endowments and Islamic Affairs in Morocco has embarked on a comprehensive initiative targeting Moroccan children residing abroad who return to their homeland during vacation. Launching 997 Quran memorization centers across the country from July 20th to August 20th, the program aims to strengthen ties between diaspora youth and Morocco's moderate Islamic identity.

The Eastern region boasts the highest concentration of centers with 443, followed by Tangier–Tetouan–Al Hoceima (213) and Casablanca–Settat (160). The initiative also encompasses the distribution of the Moroccan Mushaf Muhammadi (Quran edition) with translations in French and English across all provinces.

Beyond Quranic memorization, the program offers a diverse range of activities: spiritual music evenings, interactive community events, and workshops focusing on Arabic and Moroccan calligraphy for children. A dedicated pavilion at Tangier Med Port provides informational and recreational activities specifically designed for returning families.

Addressing Doctrinal Shifts

The initiative also seeks to address growing concerns about doctrinal shifts within the Moroccan diaspora, particularly the influence of non-Maliki sects such as Shiism in certain European countries.

Kacem Ashhaboun, a Moroccan community leader in the Netherlands, hailed the program, emphasizing its potential to “reconnect young Moroccans abroad with their cultural and spiritual roots through Morocco’s unique religious model.” He urged Moroccan authorities to consider implementing similar programs abroad to maximize their impact.

Ashhaboun warned that many second- and third-generation Moroccans in Europe lack the doctrinal grounding of earlier generations, making them “increasingly vulnerable to ideological currents outside the Maliki Sunni tradition.” He stressed the urgency for Moroccan religious institutions to expand their outreach in Europe.

"Spiritual Security" - A National Priority

Ahmed El Boukili, a religious studies scholar at Mohammed V University in Rabat, echoed the importance of the initiative. “This falls squarely within the spiritual guardianship role of the Commander of the Faithful,” he stated. “In an age of globalized ideologies and virtual influence, such programs are vital to shielding youth from extremist narratives that misuse religion for political ends.”

El Boukili asserts that the initiative reflects a broader strategy of "spiritual security" pursued by Moroccan authorities. These efforts prioritize Quranic education, moderation, and positive integration within European societies, while reaffirming Morocco’s centuries-old commitment to a balanced, inclusive form of Islam.