Hassan II Foundation unveils global program for Moroccans living abroad this Ramadan 2025

As Ramadan approaches, the Hassan II Foundation for Moroccans Residing Abroad (MRE) has deployed a delegation of 272 appointees across various countries where Moroccan communities require support during this sacred month. The delegation includes 38 academics, 39 preacher doctors, 44 master's degree holders, 60 bachelor's degree holders, and 60 preachers, who will deliver sermons and lead Quranic reading sessions. Additionally, 31 imams will conduct tarawih prayers.

The program, unveiled during a conference in Rabat on Tuesday, will run from February 27 to April 1, 2025. It reflects the foundation’s commitment to ensuring religious and cultural support for Moroccan communities abroad, regardless of their size.

This year, the initiative expands to new regions, including Canada, the United States, Hungary, Norway, and Iceland, alongside traditionally covered destinations such as France, Germany, Spain, the Netherlands, and Italy. The diverse backgrounds of the appointees aim to better address the specific needs of each community.

Strengthening connections and promoting religious moderation

During Ramadan, the initiative seeks to maintain strong ties with Morocco through discussions on religious, societal, and cultural topics. The mosque is envisioned as a space for social interaction that upholds values of coexistence and mutual respect.

A key focus is adapting religious discourse to real-life situations, making it more accessible to families and individuals. This effort also includes addressing misconceptions and providing guidance tailored to the daily challenges faced by Moroccans abroad.

Women play a significant role in this delegation, bringing a unique perspective to community support. Hanane Aljed, a scholar from Dar Al Hadith Al Hassania and a member of the Rabita Mohammedia of Ulemas, shared her experience with Yabiladi: «This year, my mission in France will be to support our fellow citizens, particularly women and mothers, by providing a space where they feel comfortable discussing their concerns in confidence».

She emphasized that her work blends spirituality, knowledge-sharing, and guidance, helping Moroccans abroad navigate Ramadan while staying connected to their faith in a modern context.

Aljed also highlighted that this support equips parents to counter religious radicalization by promoting an enlightened, moderate Islam that aligns with both their faith and the values of their host countries.

Since its inception in 1998, this initiative has steadily expanded to cover most of Europe and North America. The number of deployed appointees has grown from 60 in the early 2010s to 272 today. Over the past 27 years, the program has mobilized a total of 4,481 religious specialists.