“ Addourouss Alhassania ”, emblematic religious lessons of Ramadan, embody a tradition deeply rooted in the very essence of Moroccan culture and spirituality. Initiated by the late King Hassan II and perpetuated under the reign of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, they reflect the durability and depth of Morocco’s religious and intellectual legacy.

These talks, inaugurated upon the accession to the throne of the late King Hassan II, stand out as a pillar of the spiritual history of the Kingdom, bringing together ulemas, intellectuals and thinkers from various backgrounds for enriching dialogues on Islamic themes, legal, philosophical and social. They illustrate the determination of monarchs to nourish knowledge and to forge close links between the throne and the religious community, while respecting the Maliki rite predominant in Morocco.

Established during the holy month and inherited from a centuries-old tradition, these teaching sessions mark a privileged moment of reflection and intellectual exchange under the royal leadership, modernized under Mohammed VI to integrate female and international voices, thus highlighting a significant renewal in this circle of scholarship. Known for their atmosphere marked by decorum and serenity, “  Addourouss Alhassania  ” have evolved into a true itinerant university, promoting dialogue and Islamic thought and consolidating the role of Morocco as “  Commandery of the Believers ”. In doing so, they offer a platform for intellectual enrichment, open to the world, and contribute to the promotion of intercultural dialogue and mutual understanding.

Ramadan talks: Fusion of spirituality, knowledge and international openness

Since their establishment by the late King Hassan II, Ramadan talks have revolutionized the Moroccan tradition by relying on hadiths to enrich knowledge and provide life lessons. Originally held in the privacy of the Mausoleum of Sultan Hassan I, these meetings gradually opened up to a wider audience, welcoming scholars from all over the world, thus testifying to the Sovereign’s ambition to initiate a global dialogue on universal themes. . This visionary project aimed to revive an ancestral custom dating back to the time of the Marinids, where the community gathered in mosques to imbibe divine wisdom, purify themselves spiritually and uplift themselves during Ramadan. Through this rebirth, the late King Hassan II created an open and unifying forum for exchange, inviting international intellectuals to debate global issues in a climate of receptivity and respect.

The year 1963, marked by the election of the first Moroccan Parliament, also saw the first of these talks, providing a stage for discussing the country’s major issues in an atmosphere of constructive dialogue. Their television broadcast broadened their audience, bringing together academicians, religious dignitaries, diplomats and diverse personalities to explore crucial issues in an atmosphere of tolerance and mutual respect. These discussions significantly contributed to conciliation between Islamic currents at a time of high tension between Sunnis and Shiites. Influential figures such as Musa al-Sadr and Mohammed Metwali Al-Shaarawi participated in these dialogues, embodying Morocco’s commitment to Islamic unity and intercommunity cohesion.

From then on, this initiative, without parallel in the Arab-Muslim space, emerged as a real link between various currents of thought and peoples, particularly standing out at a time when the tensions of the Cold War dominated. Iconic figures such as Egyptian Sheikh Mohammed Metwali Al-Shaarawi, Lebanese leader Moussa Assadr, and scholars from the East and Africa, contributed to the depth of these dialogues, freely providing their expertise on selected themes. During the years 1966 and 1978, King Hassan II himself hosted two memorable sessions, underlining the capital importance of these meetings in the spiritual panorama. The first, structured around a hadith on the rectitude of behavior, was approached from three perspectives: the responsibility of rulers in active correction for the well-being of citizens, the power of speech through the media to educate and inform, and the importance of personal integrity in accordance with moral and legal values. The eloquence of Hassan II in articulating these principles had a profound impact on people’s minds, thus enriching the dialogue between cultures and religions. His second address, years later, focused on a Quranic verse relating to the Hour of Judgment, highlighting the implications of this concept on the social and ethical aspects of human existence. Under his leadership, Addourouss Alhassania spread beyond Moroccan borders, carrying the enlightened interpretation of Maliki Islam and affirming Morocco’s influence in global Islamic dialogue.

It should be remembered that the late King Hassan II found particular interest in the dialogues with the ulama during religious sessions, appreciating the dynamics and enthusiasm of the speakers, despite a protocol which imposed moderation. As organizer of these meetings, his emblematic gesture was to install the speaker’s platform high, above all those present, including the King, in a gesture emphasizing his respect for knowledge and those who spread it. These meetings, generally organized after the Al-Ishae prayer according to the royal calendar, have established themselves as a highlight, capturing attention across the Arab world during Ramadan. Their broadcast in the 1990s by MBC, a Saudi-owned channel, was an important milestone, reflecting their prestige and international reach.

In his quest to deepen the debate on societal subjects, the late King Hassan II invited international experts from various backgrounds, including from non-Muslim countries, to explore various themes such as ecology seen by Islam, development or scientific advances. These exchanges, sometimes in imperfect but authentic Arabic, illustrate the Sovereign’s ambition to encourage a fruitful conversation that cuts across religious and cultural barriers. The Hassanian talks also welcomed world leaders and eminent figures, confirming their international scope. In 1993, the President of the Maldives participated in discussions on the role of Islamic jurisprudence in the modern context. In 1998, the appearance of Mohamed Ali Clay, invited by King Hassan II, gave an unprecedented scale to these exchanges. On this occasion, Ali Clay received a Quran from the hands of the King, marking a historic moment. However, the Hassanian religious talks, beyond their seriousness and their spiritual significance, were also the scene of lighter moments, reflecting the multifaceted personality of the late Hassan II and his vision of an Islam that was both enlightened and anchored in daily reality. These sessions, rich in lessons, were not without bursts of humor, making these meetings even more memorable for those who attended them or followed them through the media.

Among the notable anecdotes from this period that of a Moroccan chanter, surprised in the middle of his story by the unexpected entry of the Sovereign. The late Hassan II, with his natural authority, challenged him on his style of recitation, recommending him to use his own reading rather than imitating the accent of the Mashreq countries, a moment which underlines the importance given by the King to cultural authenticity. The concern for respecting time, manifested by the Sovereign’s direct adjustments to the duration of interventions according to the timing of the ftour, sometimes asking a foreign speaker to conclude earlier or a Moroccan aalem to extend his intervention, reflected a royal request who could disturb even the most learned minds, like Mohamed Lazraq, whose confusion before the imposing charisma of the Sovereign had aroused the amusement of the audience. These royal interventions, sometimes surprising for the speakers, demonstrated the ability of the late Hassan II to guide the debates with a firm but caring hand.

These moments, carefully preserved in the history of Hassanian talks, bear witness not only to the humanity of the late King Hassan II but also to his desire to create a space where Islamic scholarship dialogued with everyday life, strengthening thus the image of a Morocco where faith is accompanied by open-mindedness and tolerance.

From Hassan II to Mohammed VI: A Royal commitment to scholarship and inclusiveness

With the accession of King Mohammed VI to the throne, the continuity of the Royal commitment to education and religious scholarship was affirmed, breathing new impetus into the Addourous Alhassania Arramadania. These lessons have been adapted to integrate current topics, responding to contemporary issues while remaining faithful to the precepts of Islam. This adaptation symbolizes the approach of King Mohammed VI, skillfully mixing tradition and modernity, a pillar of his policy. The enthronement of Mohammed VI also marked a significant step towards inclusiveness, with the notable participation of Rajaa Mekkaoui in 2003, highlighting the essential place of women in the religious and intellectual debate. This openness continued with the contribution of other scholars, such as Aïcha Hajjami, enriching the dialogue on subjects such as the place of women in Islam.

On another aspect, in 2006, Ayatollah Muhammad Ali Al-Sukheiri spoke before the Sovereign, highlighting Morocco’s efforts to encourage inter-Islamic dialogue. This initiative, pioneering in the Arab-Muslim world, not only strengthened Morocco’s mediator status but also contributed to its choice as the headquarters of ISESCO, affirming its influence as a beacon of culture and spirituality. Thus, Addourouss Alhassania bears witness to the evolution and sustainability of Moroccan religious talks, embodying a deep commitment to constructive and inclusive dialogue. Through these efforts, Morocco positions itself at the forefront of promoting a comprehensive and harmonious Islam, advocating mutual respect and peaceful coexistence within the international Muslim community.

This means that from the era of the late King Hassan II to that of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, Addourous Alhassania Arramadania represent an essential component of Moroccan identity, illustrating the centuries-old link between monarchy and spirituality. While remaining faithful to traditions, they are open to current questions in Moroccan society and international issues, thus symbolizing a dynamic heritage, rooted in history but resolutely projected towards the future. In doing so, they highlight a Morocco attached to its ancestral values ​​while showing itself receptive to external influences. These sessions supplant their initial religious aspect to embody openness and unity, perpetuating the progressive vision of the late King Hassan II and continued under His Majesty Mohammed VI. They reveal the soul of the Moroccan tradition of dialogue and tolerance, marking a constant commitment to a stimulating and diverse intellectual debate, which aims to enrich both on a spiritual level and in the quest for mutual understanding and cohabitation. harmonious.