Mission Work in Morocco

            Morocco, I found, being a relatively obscure nation compared to the scope of foci on other more notable or “active” African nations, has very few recorded instances of religious missionary efforts. However, there were a few notable instances that bear mention. Morocco’s religious population includes Muslims (predominantly), Christians, Jews, and Bábís (followers of the Baha’i faith). The most prominent religion in Morocco is Islam. It is maintained that, “according to The World Factbook maintained by the American Central Intelligence Agency, 99% of Moroccans are Muslims.” [1] 

Islamic Conquest
Islamic Conquest, accessed August 12, 2016,
http://www.wikimaroc.com/english/The-Arab-Conquest-and-Islamisation-of-Morocco_a22.html

Though we cannot consider conversion via conquest to be a means of “missions work” proper, it has historically served as a generally effective means of the spread of religion. There was a total of three major invasions during the Arab Conquest. The Maghreb (now Morocco) was overtaken in 700. By the year 711, following the invasion of Hispania, all of North Africa, including Morocco, came under Islamic authority.

In 1901, Maude Cary sailed away for Morocco to begin missions work despite receiving gross criticism from both her peers as well what was then known as the Gospel Missions Union. [2] Despite persecution from both the GMU as well as Moroccans, threats to her life, as well as the imminent threat of World War II, Cary fastidiously employed her prayers and efforts until 1951, fifty years later, her prayers and efforts resulted in the organization of a Bible institute which would train young Moroccan men.

Zaouit el Bir Dades Cemetery South Morocco
Joaoleitao, Zaouit el Bir Dades Jewish Cemetery, Ouarzazate Province, Morocco, photograph, December 31, 2008, accessed August 12, 2016,
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_the_Jews_in_Morocco#/media/File:Zaouit_el_Bir_Dades_Jewish_Cemetery_South_Morocco.jpg

        It is uncertain whether Jews settled before or after the destruction of the second temple (during the time of King Solomon) or whether they came to the Morocco to purchase large quantities of gold or some other legend story, but the noteworthy Arab scholar, Ibn Khaldun, who lived in the 14^th century, noted a significant number of Moroccan/Berber tribes that converted to Judaism prior to the Arab conquest between 581 and 693. [3] However, the earliest evidence of Jewish presence in Morocco has been approximated to be around the 2^nd century.

Baha'i House of Worship
Baha'i International Community, accessed August 12, 2016,
http://www.sacred-destinations.com/usa/chicago-bahai-house-of-worship/photos/4784-800

        For the Baha’i faith, being established in the 19^th century, missions work for the faith began in Morocco in 1946. A ten-year crusade began in order to spread the faith to the nation. The effort resulted in the establishment of schools and assemblies. However, in 1960, many Bábís were arrested. Some received death sentences. Despite international efforts and the outrage at the executions, the number of Bábís diminished significantly. It is estimated that a mere 150 – 500 followers remain in Morocco. [4]

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[1] “Religion in Morroco,” Wikipedia, last modified May 31, 2016, last accessed August 12, 2016, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Religion_in_Morocco

[2] “Maude Cary,” Wikipedia, last modified May 10, 2016, last accessed August, 12, 2016, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maude_Cary

[3] Encyclopedia Judaica, “The Virtual Jewish World: Morocco,” Jewish Virtual Library, last accessed August 12, 2016, http://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/jsource/vjw/Morocco.html

[4] “Religion in Morroco,” https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Religion_in_Morocco