Kazakhstan Looks to Train Its Imams in Morocco to Counter Religious Extremism

ALDAR/

Kazakhstan has expressed a strong desire to benefit from Morocco’s leading experience in the training of imams, as part of its efforts to combat extremist rhetoric and counter jihadist propaganda that threatens the religious and social fabric of the region.

In this context, a high-level delegation from the Spiritual Administration of Muslims of Kazakhstan (DUMK) visited Morocco on Wednesday, June 18. The delegation arrived in the capital, Rabat, and toured the Mohammed VI Institute for the Training of Imams, Morchidines, and Morchidates — a key institution known for promoting moderate religious discourse.

The delegation was led by Kazakhstan’s Deputy Mufti, Sansyzbai Kurbanuly, who during the visit, expressed his country’s keen interest in strengthening cooperation with the Kingdom of Morocco in the field of religious education. He praised Morocco’s balanced and moderate approach to training imams, which is based on the Maliki school of jurisprudence, Ash’ari creed, and Sunni Sufi tradition.

Abdessalam Lazhar, one of the officials at the Moroccan institute, revealed that the Kazakh side had proposed organizing specialized training courses for Kazakh imams, lasting between three and four months. These programs aim to provide solid academic and spiritual grounding, helping to shield communities from extremist ideologies and radical narratives.

This move reflects the growing trust and recognition Morocco enjoys across the Islamic world as a successful model in promoting values of moderation, tolerance, and coexistence — through a comprehensive approach that combines academic training, cultural openness, and spiritual guidance.