A new report by the Paris-based Institut d’études de géopolitique appliquée (IEGA) has praised Morocco’s religious governance model as a “central instrument” in countering radicalization, highlighting the decisive role of King Mohammed VI in shaping a stable and moderate religious framework- faithful to the inherent values of Islam- that has drawn growing international attention.
According to the study, Morocco has, over the past two decades, built a distinctive approach that goes beyond traditional security measures, instead focusing on the structured management of religion itself as a preventative tool against extremism.
This strategy emerged in the aftermath of the 2003 Casablanca attacks, when authorities opted to complement security responses with far-reaching reforms of the religious sphere aimed at supervising religious life and curbing extremist narratives at their roots.
At the heart of this system lies the King’s status as “Commander of the Faithful” (Amir al‑Mouminine), a role that provides both political authority and religious legitimacy. The report underscores that this dual authority allows King Mohammed VI to act not merely as a regulator but as a recognized religious arbiter, capable of defining orthodoxy and ensuring doctrinal coherence across the country.
This centrality of the monarchy is described as the “cornerstone” of Morocco’s model, distinguishing it from other state-led attempts to regulate religion.
The IEGA study emphasizes that Morocco’s approach is rooted in a carefully curated doctrinal foundation combining Maliki jurisprudence, Ash‘ari theology, and Sufi traditions.
Together, these elements promote a form of Islam characterized by moderation, intellectual openness and spiritual depth, which the report says directly counters rigid, literalist interpretations often associated with extremist movements.
Rather than merely condemning radicalism, Morocco’s system actively provides an alternative religious narrative that is socially embedded and institutionally reinforced.
This doctrinal framework is supported by a comprehensive institutional architecture, including the Ministry of Religious Affairs, the Supreme Council of Ulema, and the Mohammed VI Institute for the Training of Imams.
Through these bodies, Morocco oversees tens of thousands of mosques, standardizes religious teaching, and trains clerics to promote moderate discourse. The report highlights this coordination as a key strength, ensuring consistency in messaging and limiting the spread of unregulated or extremist interpretations.
Beyond its domestic impact, the model has also become a tool of international influence. Morocco has expanded its efforts abroad by training imams from African and European countries, positioning itself as a regional hub for moderate Islamic education.
Analysts cited in the report note that this outward dimension enhances both regional stability and Morocco’s diplomatic reach, particularly in the Sahel where extremist threats remain acute.
The report concludes that Morocco’s religious model represents a “singular and innovative” response to contemporary radicalization dynamics, combining prevention, institutional control and theological guidance. While it notes that the model’s reliance on the King’s religious legitimacy makes it difficult to replicate elsewhere, it nevertheless identifies Morocco as a leading example of how religious authority can be mobilized effectively to counter extremism and reinforce national cohesion.
Overall, the IEGA analysis portrays Morocco under King Mohammed VI as having successfully transformed its religious landscape into a pillar of security and stability, offering what it describes as a compelling model in the global fight against radicalization.
