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Morocco World
9 hours ago
- General
- Morocco World
‘Build the Human from Within:' Inside the 5th World Sufism Congress in Fez
Fez — Fez felt like a city leaning in to listen. In Morocco's spiritual capital, the 5th Edition of the World Sufism Congress gathered hundreds of scholars from 30 countries, Sufi shuyukh, and academics from across continents under a resonant theme: 'The Sufi Path: Human Development & Homeland Protection.' Sessions opened with Quranic recitation and verses of praise, but what followed was as practical as it was devotional: a sustained argument that nations are 'not protected only by soldiers and that societies are secured by purified hearts.' The organizer, Dr. Aziz El Kobaiti Idrissi Al Hassani, president of the International Academic Center for Sufi and Aesthetic Studies (IACSAS), framed the gathering with clarity. 'We chose Fez because it is the spiritual city of Morocco,' he told Morocco World News. 'Thousands are coming—scholars, academics, and shuyukh from different Sufi orders—to discuss 'tazkiya,' the purification of the self, and how to build the human from inside in order to build peace outside,' he said. It was both a mission statement and a map for the two-day program. 5th World Sufism Congress That theme—start within—surfaced in talk after talk. Speakers returned to a simple anthropology: the human being is a small universe composed of body, mind, heart, soul, and 'nafs' (psyche.) Harmonize these parts, and a person flourishes; neglect them, and communities fray. One panel put it bluntly: 'tazkiya' is not a private luxury but a responsibility toward nationhood. Another evoked the 'Muhammadian light,' a shorthand for prophetic character as the measure of ethical life. 5th World Sufism Congress Tazkyia unites the world With a perspective from the UK, Sheikh Ahmed Al-Dabbagh reminded participants that the individual can only truly 'flourish through alignment' with revelation and the Prophetic model; purification, he argued, dignifies both the self and public life. The keynote speeches urged a return to spiritual mastery—self-discipline that refines intention, restrains ego, and channels will toward service. The refrain was unmistakable: 'tazkiya' is the axis of human existence, and without it, civic projects become brittle. Fez was the right place to make that case. With its centuries of scholarship and living Sufi tradition, the city offered more than a backdrop; it supplied grammar and melody. Between keynotes, participants recited poetic verses and traded stories of local zawiyas that turn faith into something aesthetic—not superficial beauty, but conduct shaped by grace. 5th World Sufism Congress The Congress also carried a tone of gratitude. In multiple tributes, speakers acknowledged King Mohammed VI as a guardian of Morocco's religious equilibrium—Maliki jurisprudence, Ash'ari creed, and the Sufism of Junayd held in dynamic balance. That framework, they argued, helps inoculate society against the twin temptations of laxity and extremism. El Kobaiti's scholarship underwrote the event's intellectual spine. His books map how Sufism educates the self and repairs social fabric: 'Islamic Sufism in the Global Context' traces Sufi presence in a Western context, while his other pieces zoom in on Europe and North America—offering cases of diasporic orders and showing how 'tazkiya' scales into ethical citizenship, inter-faith trust, and the civic resilience the Congress set out to champion. By the closing of the first session, a verse that surfaced early had become a thesis: ' Successful is the one who purifies himself and remembers the name of his Lord, then prays. ' The Congress did not pretend that spirituality alone could solve political problems. It argued something subtler and, perhaps, more demanding: peace is engineered first inside of the soul, and only then does it scale—home, neighborhood, community, nation… Fez , listening closely, seemed to agree. Tags: CongressFezsufismWorld Sufism Congress
Morocco World
6 days ago
- Politics
- Morocco World
Morocco Emerges as Only Country To Deliver Humanitarian Aid Directly Into Gaza
Rabat – Morocco has become the first country to deliver humanitarian aid directly to Palestinians on the ground. On July 30, King Mohammed VI ordered the government to send nearly 180 tons of emergency supplies, including food, medical aid, and shelter materials, to support Palestinians through a coordinated delivery route that ensures immediate impact. The move comes as Gaza has been facing forced starvation tactics imposed by the Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF), leading to the death of over 197 people, particularly children and newborns. The aid, which has been directly sent to Gaza, received applause from senior Palestinian officials who emphasized that Morocco's humanitarian initiative will have a positive and tangible impact on civilians. Morocco's aid reached Gaza without intermediaries, reflecting the country's decisive role in regional geopolitics. It also reaffirms its unwavering commitment to the Palestinians. For decades, Morocco has been emphasizing the importance of the two-state solution and calling for a dialogue to end the long-standing conflict, one that guarantees Palestinians their legitimate right to an independent state with East Jerusalem as its capital. Morocco's commitment has also been reflected through its repeated calls for the end of the IOF's genocidal war, urging for an immediate ceasefire. In addition, Moroccans have been rallying since October 2023, calling for an international intervention through massive protests and marches across Morocco. In June last year, King Mohammed VI also sent urgent directives to deploy a medical aid operation for people in Gaza. The humanitarian initiative included 40 tons of medical supplies. The same year also saw Morocco sending another 4 tons of humanitarian aid to the enclave. As with last year's operations, Morocco's most recent aid has been handed directly to beneficiaries in a calm and respectful atmosphere that ensures Palestinians' dignity, reflecting the country's solidarity and its commitment toward the Palestinian cause. A source familiar with the humanitarian aid to Gaza confirmed to Morocco World News that the new initiative 'reflects the tangible solidarity that constantly drives Morocco, as well as the unwavering commitment' of King Mohammed VI to the Palestinian cause. Despite international appeals, the IOF continues its starvation war and genocidal campaign against Palestinians. According to the Palestinian news agency, the 'ongoing humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip continues to worsen, due to the blockade and shortages of food and medical supplies. The severe famine is intertwined with the genocidal war waged by Israel since October 7, 2023.' IOF closed all border crossings into Gaza since March 2, blocking the entry of aid, which led to further starvation and malnutrition. The merciless campaign also killed over 209,000 through land and air attacks, while more than 11,000 remain missing. Tags: Aid looting Gazagaza genocide
Business Insider
04-08-2025
- Politics
- Business Insider
Spanish flags vanish from disputed African islets stirring debate over colonial claims
The sudden disappearance of Spanish flags from the uninhabited islets of 'El Bar' and 'El Bahar' off Morocco's Mediterranean coast has sparked fresh speculation over Spain's long-standing claims to these tiny, yet symbolically significant, territories. Spanish flags have been removed from the disputed islets 'El Bar' and 'El Bahar' off Morocco's Mediterranean coast. The islets have been a point of contention in Spanish-Moroccan relations, despite being uninhibited and barren. Observers interpret this move as a pragmatic step by Spain to ease tension and adapt to shifting diplomatic dynamics in North Africa. Though Madrid has made no official statement, the quiet removal of flags, an emblem of sovereign assertion in diplomatic norms, has been interpreted by many observers as a potential soft retreat from the colonial-era dominance Spain has maintained over the disputed islets for more than two decades. The small rocky outcrops, known locally as 'El Bar' (Earth Island) and 'El Bahar' (Sea Island), had flown the Spanish flag for over twenty years, a point of constant diplomatic friction between Madrid and Rabat. Their strategic location near Al Hoceima on the Mediterranean coastline made them a sensitive issue, despite being uninhabited and barren. Morocco World News recently confirmed that the flags have been removed, a move widely interpreted as Spain stepping back from its long-held but largely symbolic claim over the islands. The withdrawal has revived memories of the 2002 Perejil Island crisis, when Morocco briefly occupied the islet and Spain responded with military force. Though U.S. mediation defused the standoff, the sovereignty dispute remains unresolved This time, however, Spain's quiet retreat suggests a more pragmatic approach. Without public fanfare or official statements, the action signals Madrid's recognition of changing power dynamics in North Africa, where Morocco has increasingly asserted itself diplomatically. Why El Bar and El Bahar Matter According to Argentine newspaper La Derecha Diario, the situation echoes the Perejil Islet crisis of July 11, 2002, when Moroccan naval forces landed on the disputed islet, prompting Spain, under Prime Minister José María Aznar, to launch "Operation Romeo-Sierra" to reclaim it without casualties. Since then, Spain has sought to assert symbolic sovereignty over nearby uninhabited islets like 'El Bar' and 'El Bahar,' maintaining a flag presence as a lingering assertion of control. These islets, though small and uninhabited, hold strategic importance due to their location off Morocco's northern coast. However, the recent quiet removal of Spanish flags from them has sparked speculation about a potential shift in Madrid's North Africa policy. While Spain still holds enclaves such as Ceuta and Melilla, the move could signal an attempt to ease diplomatic friction with Rabat and de-emphasize symbolic territorial disputes in favor of cooperation on trade, migration, and security.
Time of India
28-07-2025
- General
- Time of India
Did you just study French for your English exam? Here's the history your textbook missed
Almost 950 years ago, a conquest led by William, Duke of Normandy, invaded not only England but also the language of the 'English'. In the Battle of Hastings, Anglo-Saxon King Harold was defeated, and his loss left a profound and lasting impact on how the language evolved over the centuries that followed. In the words of French linguist Bernard Cerquiglini, "The English language does not exist." That's mispronounced French. Today, students across classrooms around the world learn English as a vital part of their academic journey. Yet, what many fail to recognise is that nearly 40% of the English words they study are actually of French origin. It is well known that languages borrow from one another, but when the influence becomes as deep and enduring as that of French on English, it is more than borrowing, it is a language invasion. Modern linguistic estimates show that 30–40% of English vocabulary comes from French, much of it tracing directly to the centuries of Norman rule. From classrooms to courts, and from idioms to essay writing, students regularly use words rooted in Norman French, often without even knowing it. A conquest for culture, language and the English throne Prior to 1066, the dominant language of England was Old English, a Germanic tongue spoken by the Anglo-Saxons. It was used for writing, law codes, poetry, and public discourse. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like The Most Beautiful Women In The World Undo But the Norman Conquest brought about a complete linguistic and social restructuring. After claiming the crown at Hastings, William the Conqueror graced the English throne on Christmas Day of 1066. He got rid of the English nobility and appointed French-speaking Norman aristocrats in their place, who then introduced their own language, a dialect of Old French known as Anglo-Norman, as the new standard of power, law, and prestige. Over the next 300 years, French became the language of the court, the church, the elite and the law. Old English, in contrast, became the language of the common people; rural, unwritten, and declining. With nearly 85% of Old English vocabulary lost during this period, a new hybrid language emerged, fusing French and English. This hybrid evolved into Middle English, the basis of the language students learn today. French words dominate English vocabulary The Norman Conquest triggered the flooding of French vocabulary across all aspects of English life. According to Morocco World News, an estimated 30% of modern English vocabulary comes directly from French, and English speakers unknowingly use a vast French-origin vocabulary. Key vocabulary areas shaped by French include: Domain French-Origin Words Law court, jury, tribunal, verdict Politics government, minister, parliament, coup d'état Military army, military, commander Religion religion, confession, virgin Food & Class beef, veal, mutton, venison (vs. Old English: cow, calf) Daily Use abandon, accord, adopt, danger Education university, inspiration, language, literature The language battleground has French footprints all over The Norman Conquest didn't just add new vocabulary, it also changed how English words are formed. French contributed widely used prefixes and suffixes such as: Prefixes: con- , de- , ex- , pre- , trans- Suffixes: -ment , -ance , -ity , -tion , -ism , -ize These are now fundamental to word formation in English. For example: hindrance = Old English hinder + French -ance coverage = French cover + -age reborn = French prefix re- + native English word Even English syntax was affected. French-style phrases such as attorney general and court martial follow the noun-adjective structure common in French, unlike standard English order. English as a museum for french words English learners in India and around the world often encounter French-rooted vocabulary in textbooks, exams, and academic writing. Terms like critique , debate , motivation , inspiration , and education all trace back to French. Even subject names like history , grammar , and literature are French imports. Understanding the roots provide a much intriguing lesson and realisation that when learning one language you might actually be mastering traces of many. The cultural residue in sounds and idioms French also left a phonetic signature on English. Words like ballet , filet , corps , and bouquet retain silent letters and French pronunciations. Additionally, French idioms such as: bon voyage joie de vivre vis à vis au contraire à la mode are still used in both spoken and academic English today. Elite dominated it before commoners embraced it The English populace did not blatantly accept the French parade over their language instantly. In fact, in the early years the French adoption was restricted to the elite, while commoners spoke English. It was by the 13th century that French words found their way into everyday communication. With time, the English language evolved into a stew of both, incorporating French structure and vocabulary into the heart of the English language. This legacy is why, today, English is not purely Germanic, despite its origins, it is a hybrid tongue, carrying with it the linguistic DNA of conquest, colonisation, and cultural fusion. English is now spoken by billions, and the Norman Conquest remains one of its most formative chapters. For Indian students preparing for board exams, entrance tests, or mastering fluency, understanding this linguistic history offers more than trivia, it helps decode the very structure of the English they learn every day. 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Morocco World
25-07-2025
- Politics
- Morocco World
Calls Grow for UK to Intervene in Imprisoned Fighter Lee Murray's Case
Lee Brahim Murray-Lamrani is a British-Moroccan former MMA fighter, born on November 12, 1977, in London to a Moroccan father and English mother. In his early life in Woolwich, London, Murray gained notoriety due to his alleged linkage with illegal activities, including violence and drug dealing, before indulging in the MMA world. In 2006, Murray was involved in a robbery of £53m from a Securitas depot in Kent, England, with a group of masked men before he ran away to Morocco. After four months on the run, Murray was caught in Rabat in a joint operation conducted by Moroccan and British police. He was sentenced to 10 years in Moroccan prison before the sentence was increased to 25 years on appeal. Lee's younger son, Lenie Murray, was two years old during the incident. 'I was only two years old when my dad went to prison. I've spent my whole life without him. He's missed my childhood, and I've missed having a father by my side,' Lenie told Morocco World News (MWN) in an exclusive interview. Read also: Human Rights Groups Demand Inquiry into Lee Murray's Conviction 'He made a mistake a very long time ago that he's taken responsibility for and changed for the better. He's still my dad. I love him and miss him every day. I just want the chance to know him properly and to have him be part of my life. I'm not asking for anything more than the chance to share time with the father I've missed for 19 years. 'My father has spent 19 years in a Moroccan prison — far longer than anyone else involved in the same case received in the UK,' he added. Human rights groups are now demanding that the UK parliament take action in the case. 'We are urging the UK government to formally support a pardon request for Lee,' Radha Stirling, CEO of Due Process International and founder of Detained in Dubai, told Morocco World News. She added: 'We're also urging an investigation into whether the UK government breached its obligation to its own citizens, to pursue a prosecution by a foreign government since this sets a dangerous precedent.' Murray's MMA Career Murray started his MMA career in 1999 at an event called 'Millennium Brawl' when he won over Rob Hudson by a first-round knockout, and gained the nickname 'lightning.' Lee fought four times in 2000 and won each fight with either a submission or a knockout. His aggressive, unpredictable style made him one of the most feared fighters at that time. Dana white, president of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), described him as 'the most legit gangsters of all time.' Dana detailed: 'I actually ran into Lee Murray right after he got stabbed. He got stabbed everywhere and they were still fresh…Days after Lee Murray got stabbed, he's walking around the event with all the stitches still in him. Lee Murray is one of the most legit gangsters of all time, he really is.' Murray has a professional record of 8-2-1 (win-loss-draw) with remarkable fights, including his win over Jorge Rivera at UFC 46 via triangle armbar in just 1 minute and 45 seconds of the first round. Eight months later, Lee delivered a competitive fight with the UFC legend and Hall-of-Fame Anderson Silva in Cage Rage 8, which ended by decision for Silva. On September 28, 2005, Murray faced the incident that would put an end to his MMA career. He was stabbed repeatedly in the heart at a birthday party at Funky Buddha nightclub in Mayfair. According to The Standard, Murray underwent open-heart surgery and needed 30 pints of blood, but no one was charged with the attack. 'First, they stabbed me in the head. At first, I thought it was a punch. When I felt blood running down my face, I wiped it away and kept fighting. Then I looked down and blood was spurting from my chest. I knew I had been stabbed in the heart by the blood gushing out of me. Blood sprayed from me about a meter away,' Murray said in an interview. Nearly two decades after the Securitas robbery, Lee Murray remains imprisoned in Morocco, and his case continues to draw attention from human rights advocates. Tags: human rightslee murrayMMA
