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| Africa North |
| New Moroccan code changes imam hiring standards |
| 2010-02-19 |
| [Maghrebia] The appointment and removal of imams and khatibs in Moroccan mosques will now follow a specific employment code as part of efforts to curb extremism, the Ministry for Islamic Affairs announced this week. The new code, as reported in the February 11th edition of newspaper Attajdid, stipulates that a committee headed by a ministry representative will now appoint new imams. The committee will also include two members from the Ulema Council and two members of the ministry's directorate, who will convene to sift through applications for the posts in a transparent manner. Justice and Development Party (PJD) MP Lahcen Daoudi criticised this measure, saying that imams will now "be like an employee of the ministry". "I don't think that the management of mosques can be made through bureaucrats," he told Magharebia on Monday, adding newly hired imams may be subjected to "pressure". In order to be selected as an imam, preachers must possess a recommendation from the Ulema Council, a certificate of Qur'an memorisation, a certificate from an imam or khatib and a spotless police record. Candidates older than 45 are not eligible for consideration. The new code also outlines the application process for mosque openings. After an opening is announced, candidates have 15 days to submit their applications, which will then be reviewed by the hiring committee. The ministry has also formally designated formal grounds for dismissal for imams and khatibs. Imams who swear in the mosque, are convicted in court or use drugs will be sacked under the new code. The new regulations have been set in place to ensure that mosque leaders possess a higher level of education and adopt a more moderate approach to preaching. Several Moroccans expressed concern over the government's attempts to regulate the hiring and firing of imams. Moroccan terrorism analyst Mohammed Darif told Magharebia on Monday that Morocco is looking to "ensure certain qualities in imams related to the principles of the nation and keenness on [religious unity]". Darif said the new code is an attempt by the state to monitor the mosques and combat some sects that authorities consider dangerous. For the analyst, this became clear before the 2003 Casablanca attacks, when the ministry "established certain measures for the appointment of clerics". Other Moroccans are concerned that the new qualifications for imams will make it harder to fill vacant posts in mosques. |
| Posted by:Fred |
| #1 In short, the "qualifications" are simply having to memorize the koran (not be able to read or write it, mindyou), produce an Imam to vouch for you and not be a criminal. Easy, right? Not to muzzies. Other Moroccans are concerned that the new qualifications for imams will make it harder to fill vacant posts in mosques. Which "qualification" makes it harder to fill posts? |
| Posted by: Swanimote 2010-02-19 10:43 |