Anthropological research sheds light on the growing population of non-religious Moroccans

A growing group of Moroccans are non-religious. Anthropologist Lena Richter’s research sheds light on how young, urban atheists in Morocco and Europe use subtle forms of activism to normalize their non-religious identity. Richter will receive her Ph.D. dissertation on this subject at Radboud University on May 8.

Religion plays a central role in Moroccan society. The vast majority of Moroccans (officially around 99%) are Muslim. The Moroccan government oversees religious matters, and although freedom of religion is a constitutional right, individuals who distance themselves from Islam may experience social pressure or even discrimination.

“In Morocco, three subjects are taboo: God, the king and the Sahara. Most young Moroccans therefore do not openly proclaim their atheism or agnosticism. That has too many social consequences,” says anthropologist Lena Richter.

As part of her research, she interviewed fifty young (aged 18 to 35) educated atheists and agnostics from the urban middle class in Morocco and Europe.

Everyday activism

The interviews revealed that non-religious views are mainly expressed indirectly in subtle actions that do not match the ideal image of the good Muslim and therefore go against the norm. “For example, someone could get a tattoo, drink a glass of wine or go to a bar every now and then, eat during Ramadan, or make jokes about Islam on social media,” says Richter. “Or people might stop doing things, like praying or going to the mosque.”

These minor rule violations are tolerated in Morocco by the government, religious institutions and within the family. “Non-religious views are not appreciated, but as long as the person doesn’t make a big deal out of it, people in their network won’t either,” says Richter.

According to the researcher, it can be to some extent easier to be non-religious in Morocco than in Europe. A non-believer in Morocco operates from a minority position. But in Europe – where Moroccans are already a minority and where Muslims are discriminated against – it is more likely to be seen as a stab in the back of the community.

“In addition, there is a risk in Europe that the stories of non-religious Moroccans are manipulated by right-wing groups,” says Richter. “Non-religious individuals are used as examples against Islam because they left Islam when that was not their reason for doing so. As a result, most people in this group avoid public debates.”

Social media

Atheism in Islam is not new. As early as the ninth century, there were poets and philosophers who were critical of religion. But social media has made the phenomenon much more visible. While traditional media promote a national vision of Islam, social media provides a platform for different views and, more importantly, for discussions. “On social media you see discussions arising among young Moroccans about faith,” says Richter.

Richter hopes that her research will provide a more nuanced picture of religion among Moroccans. ‘Moroccans are often seen as a homogeneous group – every Moroccan is Muslim – and that is obviously not true.

“There are also many differences within the group of non-religious Moroccans. It makes a big difference whether you have parents who are less religious themselves or whether you come from a more conservative family.

“There are atheists who have a strong opinion about religion, but also many people who still feel connected to Islam and, for example, enjoy celebrating Ramadan with their family. Connection and solidarity also play a role in this.”