Thursday, 28 March 2024 17:01

HM the King Calls on Lovers of Peace and Tolerance to Rise up Against Dissemination of Fanaticism

Saturday, 11 March 2017

HM King Mohammed VI called on lovers of peace, life and tolerance to rise up against the dissemination of fanaticism and obscurantism.

"We reject the distortion of the Islamic faith and invite all people of conscience, as well as lovers of peace, life and tolerance to rise up against the dissemination of fanaticism and obscurantism and counter advocates of terrorism, violence and excommunication," said the sovereign in a message, read out by HM the King's advisor Omar Azziman, on the occasion of the commemoration, on Saturday in M'Diq, of the 5th anniversary of the death of Imad Ibn Ziaten, victim of a terrorist act perpetrated in 2012 in Toulouse.

The sovereign voiced the wish that "civil society actors play their role in raising awareness among young people and informing them of the dangers of fanaticism and reclusion."

"They must counter the campaign staged by terrorists and by those using terrorist acts to point fingers at Islam and Muslims and aimed at distorting the image of the Islamic faith," HM the King underlined.

"I am aware of the suffering endured by Muslims in general and Moroccans in particular in Western countries, due to the unjust and unacceptable confusion between Islam and terrorism peddled by some, either out of ignorance or deliberately and for evil purposes. The best way to counter such extremist ideas, while at the same time defending the tolerance of Islam and its innocence against unfair and hostile accusations, is to remain committed to its lofty values, as well as to authentic Moroccan traditions, which advocate love, fraternity and coexistence between peoples and religions," the monarch added.

The sovereign paid tribute to Mrs Latifa Ben Ziaten, through the association she has set up with a view to promoting the culture of peace, tolerance and living together.

"We feel a mother's sorrow at the loss of her son and we realize the place he has in her heart. At the same time, we appreciate her wise and reasonable reaction after this tragic event. Instead of giving in to feelings of despair and surrendering to anger and hatred, she has proved that she is a living example of patience and tolerance," the sovereign underlined.

"Thanks to her strong will and outstanding clear-headedness, she has managed to send out a message of hope and peace and tell advocates of terrorism that they cannot beat her, nor undermine her commitment to the values of living together," said the sovereign, commending "her pride in being Moroccan and her commitment to her country's sacred values, as she chose to have her lost son buried in the land of his ancestors."

"I also admire her integration into French society, as a responsible citizen who respects French values and laws," the monarch said.

The sovereign concluded by lauding the praiseworthy efforts made by Mrs Latifa Ben Ziaten and her association, along with all organizations concerned, as well as their constructive initiatives in terms of the education and awareness-raising of young people about the values of tolerance, openness and acceptance of others."

MAP

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