Moroccan Culture

Religion

Islam is the established state religion of Morocco; almost the entire population is Sunni Muslim. The monarch is the supreme Muslim authority in the country. There is a very small Christian population and Morocco once had a Jewish population, numbering 221,000 in 1956, but nearly all of the country’s Jews emigrated elsewhere during the 1960s and 1970s because of tensions between Arab countries and Israel.

Moroccans adopt a very tolerant Islam; there is not much evidence of hard line Islam in Morocco. Alcohol is not restricted by law but its consumption in public places is discouraged and in many places men and women do not mix socially outside the home. However, the younger generation is changing; you will see young couples walking hand in hand, something their parents would have never done. Ramadan is the month in which God revealed to Muhammad the truths which were written as the Koran. Ramadan belongs to the five pillars of Islam. Muslims must observe a holy fast during the hours of daylight: total abstinence from food, drink, tobacco and sex from sunrise to sunset.

Inchallah is the most common Moroccan saying that means "if God wills". The Moroccan mentality is directly linked to this philosophy: ultimately Allah knows all and controls all. The influence of Islam is all pervading in Moroccan daily life.

           
Hassan II Mosque at Casablanca                Church of Sacred Heart at Melilla                Koutoubia Mosque at Marrakesh

Respecting Islam and Moroccan Customs

When shopping, you will find that nothing is marked with prices, and don't be surprised if the very same thing seen yesterday has a different price today. Bargaining is a way of life and very traditional in Morocco. It seems the art of bargaining is bred into Moroccans and they enjoy it. Don't pay the first price asked; reply with an offer at least half the asking price and be ready to negotiate - and to walk away.

Always accept when Moroccans offer you some mint tea. It is Morocco's national drink and offering it is a sign of hospitality. Moroccans can be quite offended if you refuse. Smoking is practised widely and it is customary to offer cigarettes in social situations.

Many Moroccans, especially in the countryside, are deeply religious. Women who wear veils to preserve themselves from public view are unlikely to appreciate being photographed. Always ask before taking someone's picture. Often you will be asked for money in return; do not encourage children. It is preferable to keep the wearing of swimsuits, shorts and other revealing clothing to the beach or poolside. Religious customs should be respected, particularly during the month of Ramadan when eating, drinking and smoking during daylight hours should be discreet as it is forbidden by the Muslim culture.

Homosexuality is considered a criminal offence in Morocco (so are sexual relations outside of marriage for that matter). So just be careful of overt displays of public affection, although handholding between men is very common; you'll probably get fewer looks than if you were wandering around holding hands in some towns back home.
 

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