The predominant religion of Morocco is Islam. Although there are a small number
of Jews and Christians, Muslims make up a whopping 99% of the population. Most
of these
 |
| Hassan II Mosque, Casablance, Taraweeh Prayers [2] |
In Islam, there are two distinct branches, Sunni and Shia.
They differ in who they believe to be the first Caliph, following the Prophet
Muhammed. The Sunni of Morocco, part of the Maliki School of jurisprudence,
which follows the Quran and hadiths for instruction, believe it was his
father-in-law, Abu Bakr. The Shia, who are found primarily in large numbers in
Iran and Iraq, believe it was his son-in-law (also, cousin).[3] Centuries of hostility and conflict
has arisen over this simple disagreement about the in-laws; alas, some things
never change!
Islam came to Morocco in the late 600’s, when it was
introduced by Arabs from Syria, known as the Umayyads. Eventually, the natives
(Berbers) converted, and the recurring dynasties became more and more
entrenched in Islam. The current dynasty - dynasty – the Alaouites – profess to kinship with the
Prophet Muhammed.[4]
Jews, however, were the first to arrive, (500
A.D.) following their dispersion throughout the world when the Babylonians
destroyed their second temple. Later Phoenicians, Carthaginians and Romans made
their way to Morocco, and brought Catholicism to the nation. Roman Catholic
Christians and Jews make up only a tiny percentage of the population, however,
although Morocco is one of few Arab countries which constitutionally guarantees
religious tolerance (since 2011). Therefore, Jews and Christians live in relative
security from persecution. It is said that many Moroccans are atheists, but
only in secret. Outwardly they participate in Islamic rituals so they can function
at will in society and escape clan/family intimidation.[6]
Although there are laws on the books that favor Muslims
over non-Muslims, Islamic radicalization has been avoided thanks to an eschewal
of fundamentalism. Still, don’t let yourself be discovered reading the Bible in
Arabic, unless you are looking for a heap of trouble; Arabic Bibles are
forbidden by law, as conversion from Islam to Christianity is considered a
punishable crime.[7] (In nearby Arab countries, you and
your convert might end up beheaded!)[8]
Due to their weak showing among the population, Judaism and
Christianity have made little impact upon Morocco. However, there are few
origin myths from Morocco’s Islamic history, although it has been the prevalent
faith. This may be due to the nation’s location at the top western corner of
Northern Africa, on the sea, and its international exposure via trade through
the Straits of Magellan. One myth, however, is well-known – the mythology surrounding
a character named Aïsha Kandisha.[9] This female figure is one that strikes
fear into the hearts of Moroccans, especially men. She is purported to reside
near water, and may take the form of an enticingly beautiful woman, or a hag.
Sometimes she is said to carry dragging chains. Her goal is to bewitch a man,
follow and pursue him, cause him to go crazy and to never find success.[10] This mythological figure is known as a djinn, or genie.[11] This narrative plays into the
Arab/Islamic, male-driven and dominated, societal, class system where women are
considered little more than property. The mythology of Aïsha Kindasha (Qandisha)[12],
whose name Moroccans shudder to speak,[13] refers to her (in one website) as:
 |
| Aïsha Kindasha (Qandasha) [14] |
…ttab‘a…stereotyped as an untrustworthy,
insatiable female. She is described as a monstrous woman who eats children and
destroys family bonds. This mythical description stems from a presumed need in
a patriarchal order to control and protect women. The collective threat women
represent for the male world is projected on the world of jinns. The assumption that if
women are left unrestrained can cause tumult and chaos, fitna, is represented in the
myth of um sabyan, especially in the…version where she is a
model of hazardous beauty (femme fatale).[15]
She appears in men’s dreams, has possessed a purported
30,000 men over the centuries[16],
and “cannot be exorcised, only placated”.[17] These types of spirits, or jinns, in are unable to be seen with the eye
(except by those possessed), and can be both good and evil, and exhibit free
will, the same as human beings.[18]
[1]
"Religious Beliefs In
Morocco," WorldAtlas, October 27, 2016, , accessed February 03, 2017,
http://www.worldatlas.com/articles/religious-beliefs-in-morocco.html.
[2]
"Mosque Hassan II Taraweeh,"
digital image, Morocco World News, June 24, 2015, accessed February 2, 2017,
https://www.moroccoworldnews.com/2015/06/161618/half-a-million-moroccans-perform-taraweeh-prayer-at-hassan-ii-mosque-in-casablanca/.
[3]
Ibid., Religious Beliefs In Morocco.
[4]
Ibid.
[5]
Roberto & Christina Mitrotti,
"Moulay Idriss Mosque, Fez," digital image, Getty Images, accessed
February 2, 2017,
http://www.gettyimages.com/detail/video/man-praying-inside-moulay-idriss-mosque-fez-stock-video-footage/91462267.
[7]
Ibid.
[8]
Abd Al-Masih, "WHY IS IT
DIFFICULT FOR A MUSLIM TO BECAME A CHRISTIAN," accessed February 2, 2017,
http://grace-and-truth.org/AM-WhyDifficultForMuslimToBecomeChristian-Booklet.htm.
[9]
Dana Loustalot Duncan, "Who is
Aicha Qandisha?" Tales of Taromeet, November 28, 2007, , accessed February
03, 2017, http://aichaqandisha.blogspot.com/2007/11/who-is-aicha-qandisha.html.
[10]
Mohammed Maarouf, "The Female
Jinni Pursuer (Ttab’a/ l-qraina) in Moroccan Mythology," Morocco World
News, June 26, 2016, accessed February 03, 2017,
https://www.moroccoworldnews.com/2016/06/190185/the-female-jinni-pursuer-ttaba-l-qraina-in-moroccan-mythology/.
[11]
"Djinns (Genies)," Essaouira - Djinns, accessed February 03,
2017, http://www.essaouira.nu/culture_djinns.htm.
[13]
Joe Lukawski, "The Story of Aïsha
Kandisha," Hidden Waters, September 28, 2011, accessed February 03, 2017,
https://fezfilm.wordpress.com/2011/09/28/the-story-of-aisha-kandisha/.
[14]
"Aisha Kindasha," digital
image, Traveling Morocco, February 8, 2016, accessed February 2, 2017,
http://themoroccanexperience.blogspot.com/2016/02/the-woman-under-water.html.
[15]
Mohammed Maarouf, "The Female
Jinni Pursuer (Ttab’a/ l-qraina) in Moroccan Mythology," Morocco World
News, June 26, 2016, accessed February 03, 2017,
https://www.moroccoworldnews.com/2016/06/190185/the-female-jinni-pursuer-ttaba-l-qraina-in-moroccan-mythology/.
[17]
"Djinns (Genies)," Essaouira
- Djinns, accessed February 03, 2017,
http://www.essaouira.nu/culture_djinns.htm.
[18]
Ibid.
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