Morocco Ramps Up Mosque Readiness Ahead of Ramadan

IQNA – With Ramadan approaching, the Moroccan government is intensifying efforts to ensure mosques across the country are ready to welcome worshippers in an atmosphere of tranquility and order, the religious affairs ministry stated.

With Ramadan approaching, the Moroccan government is intensifying efforts to ensure mosques across the country are ready to welcome worshippers in an atmosphere of tranquility and order, the religious affairs ministry stated.

The Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs has intensified preparations to ensure worshippers can observe Ramadan rituals in “calm and suitable conditions,” Minister Ahmed Toufiq said on Monday.

Answering questions on mosque development and rehabilitation at Morocco’s Lower House, Toufiq said the ministry has focused on maintaining and upgrading mosques nationwide.

Measures include equipping 902 mosques with new carpets, providing cleaning equipment, and coordinating large-scale cleaning campaigns. Security and cleaning services have also been contracted for 280 mosques at a total cost of MAD 40.5 million.

The ministry has also worked to improve comfort inside mosques and upgrade surrounding areas, including installing solar-powered water heaters in some facilities and ensuring uninterrupted water and electricity supplies.

The minister said the efforts seek to strengthen the religious and social role of mosques.

Highlighting the importance of mosques in community life, the minister said the ministry continues to monitor building conditions, ensure safety standards, rehabilitate closed mosques, and equip them to receive worshippers.

Since the launch of the mosque rehabilitation program in 2010, 2,069 closed mosques have been restored at a total cost of MAD 3.61 billion. A further 553 mosques are currently undergoing rehabilitation, with works valued at MAD 1.16 billion, while 176 mosques are in the study and approval phase, representing an estimated budget of MAD 193 million.

The minister pointed out that 1,458 closed mosques still require rehabilitation at an estimated cost of nearly MAD 2 billion, noting that around 230 mosques are closed each year following routine inspections conducted under the supervision of regional authorities.

Source: moroccoworldnews.com