The Minister of Awqaf: Extremist Discourse on Digital Platforms Exploits Instincts and Threatens Faith, and Must Be Confronted with Moderate Religious Discourse
The Minister of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs, Ahmed Toufiq, affirmed that the extremist rhetoric circulating on digital platforms exploits people’s curiosity and instincts to promote harmful and corrupt ideas. He warned of the impact this discourse has on faith and morals within society, especially when it comes from individuals who identify as religious, but are, in his words, “ignorant, extremists, and fabricators.”
During a question-and-answer session at the House of Representatives on Monday, Toufiq explained that some content shared on social media is aimed at reform, but much of it leverages digital appeal to spread ideological extremism that threatens societal cohesion, particularly amid injustices at both the international and national levels, which increases susceptibility to such discourses among well-intentioned individuals.
The minister pointed out that the Higher Scientific Council is the only official body authorized to formulate and guide religious discourse in Morocco, in line with the nation’s constants. He emphasized that the efforts in this area depend on Friday sermons, media programs, and the investment of digital media. He noted that the Ministry of Awqaf provides over 200,000 digital content pieces via Google, attracting approximately 1.3 million visitors monthly.
In this context, parliamentary representative Ibrahim Ben Didi from the Authenticity and Modernity Party underscored that digital extremism poses a real threat to Moroccan youth, targeting those with vulnerable intellectual and spiritual capacities. He asserted that addressing this phenomenon requires the production of moderate and engaging digital religious content capable of interacting with the audience using the same tools and methods as extremist groups.
Regarding the “Communication Plan,” the minister mentioned that Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, is the original messenger of the religion, and scholars are his heirs in this mission. He added that the Higher Scientific Council has decided to renew religious discourse to make it more impactful in people’s lives, focusing on its ethical and doctrinal dimensions, under the slogan “Religion for Life.”
Toufiq confirmed that the council has prepared specific documents for this new vision, which will be disseminated to various regional and local councils, preachers, religious mentors, and media professionals. He also stressed the necessity of monitoring the implementation of this plan on the ground through guides and imams to ensure the quality of communication and its positive impact on society.
