Morocco Considers Opening Mosques to Non-Muslim Visitors, Sparking Debate

Aware of the religious considerations, the deputy pleaded with the Minister of Islamic Affairs to make an effort to lift the ban on non-Muslims accessing mosques.

According to Hespress, this issue "should be dealt with reason and without emotion", recalling that this prohibition is often posted on a sign at the entrance of mosques in Arabic, a language that many foreigners do not understand.

The same media also adds that this concern of access to mosques for non-Muslims does not have the unanimous support of Muslim religious scholars.

It should be noted that this prohibition dates back to the time of Marshal Lyautey, Resident General from 1912 to 1925. He ensured that "the ancient institutions be respected, and that the access of mosques and sanctuaries be forbidden to Europeans," reports historian Pierre Vermeren.