Rabat, Morocco (AP), Oct 27 — In the heart of Morocco's capital, worshippers gathered in a mosque, seated shoeless on the red-carpeted floor, listening intently to a sermon read from a raised pulpit. The preacher's words, part of a government-authored sermon, urged parents to engage their children in public affairs. This message resonated across the kingdom's mosques on Friday, interpreted by some as a subtle government response to recent youth-led protests demanding improved social and economic conditions.
The movement, identified as Gen Z 212, triggered an unprecedented youth uprising in recent weeks. While the sermons did not directly address these demonstrations, they were perceived as aligning with the state’s message to the protesters.
Traditionally, preachers select their sermon topics, which precede congregational prayers. However, in the recent past, countries like Morocco, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia have imposed content mandates. Officials claim these measures aim to curb extremist rhetoric, but critics contend they render sermons as instruments for advancing state policies.
In a mosque in Rabat, the imam, clad in a white djellaba robe, addressed hundreds of worshippers via microphone, spanning diverse ages and socio-economic backgrounds. He emphasized the importance of fulfilling civic duties.
“Raising children to participate in managing public affairs, serving the nation, cherishing the homeland, and ensuring its security and stability are crucial,” declared the imam. “A true citizen serves his nation diligently,” he added, citing Quranic verses, his voice reverberating beyond the mosque.
In Morocco, imams function as government employees, delivering standardized sermons. The sermon heard in Rabat echoes throughout Morocco’s 53,000 mosques and airs live on public television.
The recent protests stemmed from frustration over governmental priorities, particularly spending on sports infrastructure for the 2030 World Cup while perceived neglect of public services prevailed. Organized anonymously via social media platforms like Discord, the movement rejects political party affiliations and calls for overthrowing a government it deems corrupt.
In response, government officials acknowledged the young activists' concerns and encouraged dialogue in public arenas. In a Cabinet meeting chaired by King Mohammed VI, new initiatives were announced to bolster youth political involvement and job opportunities. A draft bill proposes simplifying candidacy requirements for under-35 individuals and covers 75% of their campaign costs—measures many link directly to the sermon content.
The government announced a notable $15 billion allocation in the 2026 budget draft for health and education, surpassing previous expenditures. Plans include creating 27,000 jobs in these sectors, upgrading 90 hospitals, and improving education quality.
In Friday's sermon, the imam shared historical examples of Prophet Mohammed's disciples involving their children in councils discussing public affairs. However, references to the Gen Z protests or associated acts of vandalism, fatalities, and arrests were absent.
The Moroccan Association of Human Rights reported Friday that over 1,500 individuals face prosecution for protest participation. The Agadir appeal court sentenced 33 defendants to a cumulative 260 years for vandalism, according to local media.
“I sincerely hope the sermons aim to foster young people's public involvement, not dictate or limit it,” expressed Soufiane, an 18-year-old student at a weekend protest in Casablanca. Speaking anonymously due to fear of retribution, he emphasized the need for real, transparent action to accompany the sermons. Nevertheless, he acknowledged their potential to positively influence youth political engagement.
Following the governmental assurances and Friday sermons, weekend protests saw diminished turnout, with only dozens attending the Saturday gathering in Casablanca.
“Friday sermons serve as a political tool within mosques, whether defending state positions or addressing other issues,” explained Dr. Driss El Ganbouri, a researcher specializing in religious affairs. "The state employs dual discourse: one religious, the other official," he added, highlighting concerns that sermons fall short of Morocco’s evolving political and social landscape. Preachers deviating from official messages risk punishment or dismissal. (AP)
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