Rise in Moroccan-Iraqi Shiite Marriages Sparks Concern in Belgian Community

Members of this community report a spread of Shiism among Moroccans residing in Belgium. This religious conversion would be carried out either through these unions with Shiite Arab citizens, or through increased participation in the activities of Shiite associations and centers, particularly active during Ramadan, warns Rue20.

Some Moroccans converted to Shiism would seek to spread this doctrine among their families and on social networks.

Warnings are being issued regarding the increase in marriages uniting Moroccan women from Belgium and Shiites holding European nationality, mainly in Belgium. The objective of these unions would be the conversion of the spouses and their children to Shiism.

Reports indicate an increase in the number of Moroccan Shiites, reaching several hundred individuals, mostly women residing in Brussels and the surrounding area. Some frequent Shiite centers, and a few have traveled to Iran to receive religious instruction from Iranian and Iraqi Shiite references. The majority of these women are originally from northern Morocco, more precisely from Tangier and the Rif.