Muslim Priestesses in Morocco
27/02/07 08:54 | Morocco Articles
In their national broadcast, the BBC Network in the UK has released a report discussing the new role now open to women in Morocco’s Mourchidat program. This program is designed for women to become priests in order to lead women in religious discussions. At this time, 50 women have been called to the pulpit, but more are said to be joining them over the next several months.
The women, who are given different duties, can do just about anything that men can do in the mosque – everything but lead in prayer. Their role is to help women better understand Islam and to help balance a religious society often controlled by men. The Moroccan minister of religious affairs has said that society on a whole will benefit from the new Mourchidat inserts. The role of Moroccan women, especially in religion, is viewed by many on the governmental level as beneficial to ensure they are properly represented on all levels of society.

The idea of women leading discussions is both innovative and somewhat confusing, admit some skeptics. Even if the idea is excellent, what has to be less abstract are the terms and exact roles of the women participating. While some of the women are gearing to fill their roles quite well, others have been found to hold sympathies to certain illegal political groups residing in the country. Those supporting the women in their newfound freedoms want the best for everyone involved, especially when it comes to a region of society that has been for centuries controlled only by men. Some critics say that the women will be pawns for certain organizations, but optimism seems to outweigh any doubts that it is another step in the right direction on a country that is opening its doors to innovative and progressive ideas.

Brought to you by: Morocco News & Travel at Journey Beyond Travel

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