Zawiyas Across Morocco Receive Royal Gifts on Hassan II’s Death Anniversary

Rabat – Royal committees on Monday delivered royal gifts to several zawiyas and religious shrines across Morocco to mark the 28th anniversary of the death of the late King Hassan II.

The gifts were delivered to religious institutions in Al Hoceima, Essaouira, El Jadida, and Sidi Bennour during religious ceremonies that saw the participation of local officials, members of local religious councils, zawiya leaders, scholars, and followers.

In Al Hoceima, a royal committee delivered a gift to the Alawiya Darqawiya Shadhiliya Zawiya. The zawiya’s leader, Mohammed Ghambo, received the gift during a ceremony held at the zawiya in the presence of local, security, and military officials, as well as religious council members and elected representatives.

In Essaouira, a royal gift was delivered to the Sharafa of the Ragraga Zawiya. The gift was handed to the zawiya’s head, Abdelaziz El Mokaddem, during a religious ceremony at the Ragraga Zawiya in the city’s old medina. Essaouira Governor Mohammed Rachid attended the ceremony, in addition to the head of the local religious council, representatives of local authorities, and followers and descendants of the zawiya.

Meanwhile, royal gifts were also delivered to the Moulay Abdallah Amghar and Moulay Bouchaib Reddad shrines in El Jadida province, as well as the Sidi Abdelaziz Ben Yefou Zawiya in Sidi Bennour province.

The gifts in El Jadida and Sidi Bennour were delivered by a royal committee headed by Saadeddine Smiej, an official on assignment at the Royal Palace Department. The governors of the two provinces, representatives of local authorities, and sheikhs and followers of the religious institutions all attended the ceremonies.

The events featured Quranic recitations and religious chants and praises. Participants meanwhile recalled the unique legacy of the late King Hassan II and his significant role in building modern Morocco and strengthening the country’s territorial unity.

The ceremonies concluded with prayers for the health and well-being of King Mohammed VI, as well as prayers for Crown Prince Moulay Hassan, Prince Moulay Rachid, and other members of the Royal Family.

Participants also prayed for God to grant mercy and forgiveness to the late Kings Mohammed V and Hassan II.

Zawiyas are traditional religious institutions that have long played a role in Islamic teaching, spiritual practice, and community life. 

Often linked to Sufi traditions, they have historically served as places of worship, learning, and religious gatherings, while some are also associated with the shrines of respected religious figures. Zawiyas continue to hold an important place in Morocco’s religious and cultural heritage.