Marrakech Faces Mosque Shortage as Ramadan Approaches After Earthquake Damage

A total of 2,217 mosques were damaged by the violent earthquake that struck Morocco. Some of them have completely collapsed. As a result, the number of closed places of worship in Morocco has increased considerably. Faced with this situation, PAM (Authenticity and Modernity Party) MP Abderrahmane Ouafa addressed a written question to Ahmed Toufiq, Minister of Habous and Islamic Affairs. After presenting the situation, he questioned the minister about the possible alternative solutions to address the impact of the closure of several mosques in Marrakech during the next Ramadan month.

"The city of Marrakech is facing a major challenge following the recent earthquake, with the closure of many mosques, which has a direct impact on the religious life of citizens, especially with the arrival of the blessed month of Ramadan, which sees a strong influx of residents to perform prayers, especially the Tarawih prayer," writes the elected official, noting that the ochre city, known for its spirituality and deep religious traditions, is thus facing a new reality this Ramadan.

Moreover, "the closure of mosques not only deprives citizens of their usual places of worship, but also imposes a heavy responsibility on the Ministry of Habous to find quick and effective solutions, especially since the mosques in Marrakech, as in the rest of the country, are not only places of prayer, but also centers of social and spiritual gathering," adds Abderrahmane Ouafa, also pointing out that these places of worship "become, during the month of Ramadan, the center of the daily life of many, where people go to perform the five prayers in group, as well as the Tarawih and Tahajjud prayers".

And he continues: "their closure means depriving them of the opportunity to gather and practice collective prayer, which is an integral part of Moroccan customs during this sacred month".