On Monday, August 24, 2026, King Mohammed VI presided over a significant religious ceremony at the Royal Palace in Rabat, celebrating Mawlid, the anniversary of the birth of the Prophet Mohammed. This event underscored the King’s role as the Commander of the Faithful, a title that emphasizes his dual responsibilities of spiritual leadership and national governance. Accompanied by his sons, Crown Prince Moulay El Hassan, Prince Moulay Rachid, and Prince Moulay Ahmed, the ceremony was enriched with Quranic recitations and melodious performances of religious songs that honored the Prophet’s legacy.
During this momentous occasion, the Minister of Endowments and Islamic Affairs, Ahmed Toufiq, presented the King with the annual report detailing the activities of the Higher Council of Ulema and the local religious councils throughout Morocco. Minister Toufiq highlighted that these councils had successfully orchestrated a yearlong program of religious instruction and devotional gatherings, following royal directives from the previous Mawlid celebration. This year’s commemoration also marked a significant milestone, celebrating 15 lunar centuries since the birth of the Prophet.
Toufiq elaborated on the profound connection that Moroccans share with the Prophet, noting both political and emotional dimensions. He articulated that the political aspect is intrinsically linked to the institution of the Commander of the Faithful and the oath of allegiance, which serve to safeguard the nation’s territory, uphold its religious principles, and mediate among various segments of society. The emotional aspect, he suggested, is deeply rooted in Morocco’s rich scholarly tradition of documenting the life and teachings of the Prophet. He referenced notable works such as Al-Shifa by Qadi Iyad and Al-Durr al-Munazzam by Abu al-Abbas al-Azafi, alongside Dala’il al-Khayrat by Imam al-Jazuli, which are pivotal in this intellectual heritage.
Moreover, the Minister emphasized the ongoing “Tasdid al-Tabligh” program, aimed at conveying religious teachings in an accessible manner, thereby linking faith with ethical behavior and social responsibility. In a gesture of reverence and scholarly dedication, Toufiq presented the King with a newly published edition of Dhakhirat al-Muhtaj fi al-Salat ala Sahib al-Liwa wa al-Taj. This significant Moroccan work, dedicated to prayers and blessings upon the Prophet, was prepared by the Ministry of Endowments utilizing various manuscripts preserved in royal, public, and private libraries across Morocco and abroad. This publication is part of the King’s initiative to honor the 15 lunar centuries since the Prophet’s birth and to revive Moroccan scholarly contributions to this vital area of Islamic tradition.
The ceremony witnessed the presence of numerous dignitaries, including the head of government, parliamentary leaders, royal advisers, members of the Cabinet, heads of constitutional institutions, senior military officials, Muslim diplomatic representatives, and esteemed religious scholars, all coming together to commemorate this important spiritual occasion.
As reported by en.hespress.com.
