Most of us know Morocco as a Muslim country with Arabic as its official language. Indeed 97% of its population is Muslims, and this does affect the traveling tourists to that country. You would find the religion constraints impacting you.
Foremost, the Moroccan people offer prayers five times a day starting at dawn. In this modern age, you can even hear the call to prayer from speakers located at the minarets of the mosque. While on tour, you can expect the markets and shops to be closed from on Fridays from mid-day on, as that is the holy day for Muslims. They are also not expected to drink alcohol or eat pork. However, the religion of Morocco is moderate, and you do find some alcohol beverages available at select cafes, pubs, and bars. Likewise, pork is also getting available to tourists at some selected places.
During the month of Ramadan, the country’s Muslim population does not eat, drink or smoke during the day. However, they are tolerant of tourists who do need to eat. Eating in public view is not recommended during those times. Most restaurants and alcohol shops remain closed at this time but become vibrant by nighttime.
Apart from the Muslim community, there also exists a small dwindling population of the Jewish community and a small European colony. The country’s constitution declares the country as a Muslim country, and its king hailed as the “Amir El Mouminin”, meaning the commander of the faithful. Despite this, the country’s constitution also guarantees freedom of religion.
The second largest faith in the country is Christianity, which constitutes a little less than 3% of the country’s population. These are immigrants as well as descendants of the French invaders and settlers from early times. The Jewish population is less than 0.1% of the country’s population. However, they are decreasing so fast that the faith is almost on the verge of extinction. The religion of Morocco is quite lenient and believes in peaceful co-existence.
According to a new ranking by Portes Ouvertes, Morocco is one of the safest countries in the world for Christians. There are around 5,000 to 25,000 foreign Christians living in Morocco, especially in the cities of Casablanca, Tangier, and Rabat. Among the famous Catholic churches in Morocco, Church of the Holy Martyrs in Marrakech, Welcome Center Our Lady of Peace in Rabat and Catholic Church – Eglise Sainte Anne in Agadir are the most prominent ones. Moroccan Sahara Tours can take you to these churches, if you’d like.
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