Kamal Ghorui
The sacred night of Laylat ul Qadr, regarded as the holiest night in the Islamic calendar, was marked with deep spiritual devotion in Rabat as Mohammed VI, King of Morocco, presided over a solemn religious vigil at the Royal Palace. The ceremony brought together members of the royal family, senior religious scholars, government officials and diplomats to commemorate the Night of Power during the final days of the holy month of Ramadan.The vigil reflected Morocco’s long-standing tradition of observing Laylat ul Qadr with royal participation. As “Commander of the Faithful,” a title historically held by Moroccan monarchs, King Mohammed VI plays a central role in leading religious observances and promoting Islamic scholarship throughout the country.
Moroccan royal family joins sacred vigil at Laylat ul Qadr
During the ceremony, the king was accompanied by several prominent members of the Moroccan royal family, including Moulay Hassan, Moulay Rachid, and Prince Moulay Ahmed. Their presence highlighted the symbolic unity between Morocco’s monarchy and the nation’s religious traditions.The vigil began after the Isha and Taraweeh prayers and included the recitation of sacred texts and religious readings by prominent Islamic scholars. One of the central moments of the ceremony was the formal completion of the recitation of the canonical Hadith collection Sahih al-Bukhari, an important tradition in Moroccan religious ceremonies marking the culmination of Ramadan. The recitation was led by respected Moroccan scholars who also delivered prayers seeking divine blessings for the Moroccan nation and its leadership.
Recognition of Quran scholars and students on Laylat ul Qadr
A major highlight of the Laylat al Qadr vigil was the presentation of awards honouring outstanding contributors to Quranic scholarship and religious education.King Mohammed VI personally honoured young Moroccan Quran memoriser Zaid El Bakkali, a 10-year-old student from Sale who demonstrated exceptional dedication in memorising the Holy Quran. The recognition underscored Morocco’s efforts to encourage Islamic learning among younger generations and preserve traditional scholarship.Several prestigious national awards were also presented during the ceremony, including the Mohammed VI Prize for Quranic Schools and the Mohammed VI Prize for Ahl Al-Qur’an and Ahl Al-Hadith. Scholars and religious educators from cities across Morocco received recognition for their contributions to Islamic education, mosque leadership and Quran recitation. These awards reflect the Moroccan monarchy’s ongoing initiatives to support religious scholarship and maintain Morocco’s reputation as a centre of moderate Islamic thought.
Laylat ul Qadr: The holiest night in Islam
Laylat Al-Qadr, often translated as the “Night of Power” or “Night of Destiny,” is widely believed by Muslims to commemorate the night when the first verses of the Quran were revealed to the Prophet Muhammad in the Cave of Hira near Mecca. The Quran describes the night as “better than a thousand months,” meaning acts of worship performed during Laylat Al-Qadr carry immense spiritual reward. Since the exact date of the night is not definitively known, Muslims typically seek it during the odd-numbered nights of the final ten days of Ramadan.Across the Muslim world, millions of worshippers spend the night engaged in prayer, Quran recitation, and supplication, hoping to gain forgiveness and blessings. In Morocco, the night also carries deep cultural significance. Families often celebrate children who complete their first fasts during Ramadan, dressing them in traditional attire and marking the moment with special meals and family gatherings.
Morocco’s unique Ramadan traditions
Morocco’s observance of Laylat Al-Qadr blends religious devotion with cultural celebration. Children often wear traditional clothing such as the jellaba, while girls may receive henna designs on their hands. Some families even organise symbolic ceremonies where children are dressed like brides or grooms as part of the celebration.These traditions highlight the festive and communal spirit that accompanies the deeply spiritual observances of Ramadan in Moroccan society. The royal vigil in Rabat therefore carries both religious and national symbolism, reinforcing Morocco’s identity as a country where the monarchy plays an active role in preserving Islamic traditions. The Laylat ul Qadr vigil at the Royal Palace drew a large gathering of dignitaries, including senior government ministers, parliamentary leaders, royal advisers, high-ranking military officials and members of the diplomatic corps representing several Islamic nations. Their participation reflected Morocco’s diplomatic and cultural ties with Muslim-majority countries and emphasised the importance of the ceremony as a national religious event. Prayers were also offered for the late Moroccan monarchs Mohammed V and Hassan II, acknowledging their historical role in shaping Morocco’s modern state and religious institutions.Morocco’s monarchy holds a unique religious position within the country’s political system. As Commander of the Faithful, the king is regarded as the protector of Islam and the guarantor of religious unity. Through initiatives such as Quran competitions, religious education programmes, and the training of imams, the Moroccan state actively promotes moderate Islamic teachings aimed at countering extremism and strengthening religious literacy.The Laylat ul Qadr vigil therefore represents not only a spiritual gathering but also a demonstration of Morocco’s broader approach to religious leadership and cultural identity. As the ceremony concluded, worshippers gathered in prayer for Morocco’s prosperity and stability, asking for divine guidance and protection for the nation.For Muslims around the world, Laylat ul Qadr remains a deeply spiritual moment during Ramadan, a time for reflection, repentance and renewed faith. In Morocco, the royal vigil led by King Mohammed VI stands as one of the most prominent national observances of this sacred night. The event also serves as a reminder of the enduring connection between faith, culture and leadership in Moroccan society, where centuries-old traditions continue to shape modern expressions of Islamic devotion.
