Moroccan people are internationally known for being very friendly and accommodating.

They can do whatever it takes to help you find your route if you are lost, give you tips
and information to make your trip unforgettable, or chat and know more about you.

Being a conservative country (the constitution clearly states that Islam is the official
religion for Moroccans), it is important to understand their etiquette, Islamic holidays,
traditions, and local’s everyday life.

The main religion in Morocco is Islaml. Officially, 99% of the population is Muslim,
and virtually all of those are Sunni.

Polls and surveys have found that 80–95% of its population is at least somewhat
religious.

The second-largest religion in the country is Christianity, but most Christians in Morocco
are foreigners. There is also a community of the Baháʼí Faith. Only a fraction of the
former Jews have remained in the country, many having moved to Israel.

In Morocco, Islam was adopted very quickly in the 8th century, under the reign of the
Umayyad. However, the Sunni Malekite rites of Islam won’t be practiced by the majority
until another century after.

Morocco Religious Etiquette: Explained

In Morocco, it’s essential to be mindful of the respect locals have for Islam, as they
consider any disrespect towards their faith quite impolite. Though, you can still engage
in conversations about religion, as Moroccan people are open to such discussions.

Moroccan Muslims appreciate and respect Judaism and Christianity, as they believe in
the validity of the teachings of these faiths.
Keep in mind that, as a non-Muslim, you might not be allowed to enter certain religious
sites like mosques, shrines, or saints’ koubbas. But there’s an exception you’ll
enjoy—the Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca!

Morocco’s people, as a whole, are welcoming and incredibly hospitable. Although many
are religious, they usually have a laid-back attitude.

Tip: Just remember to be considerate and avoid offending anyone’s religious beliefs,
especially when interacting with older or more conservative individuals.

Greetings

When in Morocco, you’ll want to be mindful of the standard greeting etiquette. The most
common phrase we say here is “Salaam Alaykum” which translates to “May peace be
upon you”.

Some people may add “wa Rahmat Allah” to the end of the previous phrase, which
means “…and the grace of God Almighty.”

If someone greets you with “Salam” it’s a shortened version of the greeting.

It’s customary for Moroccans to greet everyone in a gathering. With people of the same
sex, it’s typical to shake hands or exchange a kiss on the cheek. However, things are a
bit different when it comes to the opposite sex, particularly with more conservative
women.

If you’re a woman, you’ll usually greet your close friends and family members with a hug
or a kiss on the cheek.

Some women may not feel comfortable shaking hands with men, especially if they’re
not close relatives. To avoid any misunderstandings, it’s best to follow the lead of the
person you’re greeting.

The majority of people greet with the phrases I revealed above. However, you might find
other people especially the ones with a higher educational level greeting you with
“Hello”, “Hola”, “Salut” or even in your own language if they recognize you’re from a
certain country.
Moroccans are known for their warmth, hospitality, and friendly nature.

So, don’t hesitate to engage with them and embrace the local customs and traditions.
Just remember to be respectful and open-minded, and I am sure you’ll have an
unforgettable experience.

Dressing Code

When traveling in Morocco, it’s essential to keep in mind the country’s modesty
standards. Compared to Western cultures, Morocco is relatively conservative, with
some regions more so than others.

If you’re venturing into rural areas, small towns, or cities, it’s best to dress modestly to
avoid offending or disrespecting locals. This is especially true for women, as many
Moroccans may find relative nudity or revealing clothing inappropriate.

It’s important to note that this is particularly significant during the holy month of
Ramadan when Muslims are fasting, and even unintentional sexual arousal can be
considered a violation of the fast.

Moroccan women’s traditional clothing differs from what tourists typically wear. Women
and girls would wear a hijab to cover their hair and a djellaba, a long, hooded robe, over
their clothing when outside their homes.

To give you more in-depth information, I wrote an article about Morocco’s dress code
and what to wear during your trip.

What Religion Was Morocco Before Islam?

Many people may not realize that North Africa, including Morocco country, was
predominantly Christian before the arrival of Islam. The Moroccan Amazigh were also
largely Christian, with only a few pagan tribes scattered throughout the region.

Like other parts of North Africa, Morocco was heavily influenced by the Roman Empire.
Although not all of modern-day Morocco was part of the empire, significant portions
were client kingdoms, which placed them firmly in the Roman orbit.
This association meant that Christianity was the prevailing faith in Morocco by the end
of classical antiquity, and it remained so even after the empire’s collapse.

However, as Islam began to spread throughout the region, Morocco gradually converted
to the new faith. It’s interesting to note the influence that history and religion have had
on Morocco’s cultural identity and how it has evolved over time.

What Are The Top Religions In Morocco?

To better understand the religious landscape of Morocco, let’s take a look at the top
four religions in the country:

1. Islam

With a population of 34.8 million, Morocco is predominantly Muslim, with 99% of its
citizens adhering to the faith.

Islam was first introduced to the country by Arabs in 680 AD, and it has since become
an integral part of Moroccan customs and traditions.

2. Christianity

Approximately 0.9% of Morocco’s resident population is Christian, with an estimated

30,000 Christians residing in the country. The majority of these individuals are Roman
Catholic, with around 40 parishes belonging to the archbishopric of Rabat and Tangier
city.

According to the Moroccan magazine TelQuel, thousands of Moroccans have converted

to Christianity in recent years, although there is no official data on the matter. Some
estimates suggest that between 2005 and 2010, around 5,000 Moroccans converted to
Christianity.

3. Judaism

While Morocco was once home to a thriving Jewish community, the Moroccan
population of the Jewish faith has decreased significantly over the years. From almost
200,000 in 1956, the Jewish population is now estimated to be around 2,500-3,000
(0.1% of the resident population).

The emigration of Moroccan Jews was primarily due to political instability and the
Palestinian conflict. Although Jews and Christians had fewer rights than the Muslim
majority, anti-Semitism was not the primary cause of the mass exodus.

4. Baháʼí Faith

The Baháʼí Faith was first introduced to Morocco in 1946 while the country was under
colonial rule. Despite facing significant obstacles, including mass arrests and death
sentences in the early 1960s, the Baháʼí community in Morocco continues to grow.

While Islam and Judaism are recognized as native religions in Morocco, all other
religions are considered “foreign” Citizens who practice religions other than Islam or
Judaism may face obstacles from the government and social pressure.

Despite these challenges, Morocco remains a diverse and culturally rich country that
celebrates its rich history and religious traditions.

Things To Know About Religion Before Traveling To Morocco

Are you curious about the religious culture of Morocco?

In order to plan your trip, understand what to expect, and respect local customs and
traditions. Here are a few important things to know about religion before traveling
to Morocco:

1. Islamic Calendar

The Islamic calendar is different from the western calendar, and religious celebrations
follow a lunar pattern that changes every year.

If you’re planning a trip to Morocco, make sure to check if your scheduled dates
coincide with Ramadan, Eid Al Fitr, or Eid Al Adha.
I’ll provide more details about each of these religious events later in this post. So, stick
with me (:

2. Drinking Alcohol

If you enjoy alcohol and plan to visit Morocco, you might be wondering if it’s legal. While
Morocco is a Muslim country, alcohol is not fully prohibited by law.

However, there are some restrictions to keep in mind. Drinking alcohol can be more
complicated in Morocco than in countries like France or Italy. During Ramadan, most
restaurants and stores will be closed during the day, and it’s best to avoid eating and
drinking in public during this period.

After sunset, though, restaurants and supermarkets are often open until 1 am, making
evenings the ideal time to stock up on food and drinks.

3. Entering Mosques

In Morocco, many mosques are off-limits to non-Muslims. While you can admire the
building from the outside, in most cases, only those of the Islamic faith are permitted to
enter.

However, a select few mosques, including the Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca city,
allow non-Muslims to enter. Note that if you’re not allowed inside, you won’t be
permitted to take pictures of the inside with your camera through the doors as well.

4. Being Respectful During Ramadan

Ramadan is a time of prayer, reflection, community, and fasting for Muslims in Morocco.
Visitors to the country are not expected to fast, but it’s wise to be respectful during this
period.

It’s a good idea to avoid eating and drinking outside of public restaurants or your hotel
during Ramadan, as a courtesy to those who are fasting.

5. No Direct Compliments
Modesty is valued in Moroccan Islamic culture, so it’s best to be subtle when giving
compliments. While you might mean well, direct compliments can make locals
uncomfortable.

You might also find that locals won’t accept compliments, even if they’re sincere.
Remember, this is part of the culture, and don’t be upset (:

The Different Islamic Holidays In Morocco

Morocco is a significant Muslim country where Islamic religious holidays are celebrated
with immense joy and unity.

Here are the Islamic holidays celebrated in Morocco:

1. Eid al-Fitr: This holiday marks the end of Ramadan, a month of fasting
during daylight hours. Muslims perform acts of zakat (charity) and begin
the celebration after sighting the new moon for the month of Shawwal.
The holiday begins with prayers on the morning of 1 Shawwal, followed
by breakfast and often celebratory meals.
2. Eid al-Adha: Celebrated on the tenth day of Dhu al-Hijjah, this holiday
lasts for four days and coincides with the pilgrimage. Muslims in Morocco
celebrate Eid al-Adha by performing an act of zakat, which involves
slaughtering a sheep and distributing the meat to family, friends, and the
poor as a symbol of friendship and generosity. This holiday also
encourages Muslims to reach out and be friendly to one another.
3. Eid Al Mawlid: which is the birthday of prophet Muhammed, this holiday
is celebrated as a devotion to the faith and the prophet. Unlike Eid al-Fitr
and Eid-al-Adha, there are no special prayers for this occasion. People
usually pray for their prophet, and some events and celebrations are held
in the streets, including playing religious music. Some shops may also
offer special sales on this day.
4. Ramadan: This holiday celebrates the revelation of the Quran to
Muhammad. Muslims observe it by fasting from dawn to sunset during the
ninth month of the Islamic calendar. Fasting is a purifying experience that
helps Muslims gain compassion and deepen their faith in Allah.