Moroccan Justice Minister Sparks Outrage with Dismissive Remarks on Islamic Hadith
A recent controversy has erupted in Morocco as Justice Minister, Abdelatif Ouahbi, faces harsh criticism for comments deemed disrespectful towards Islamic teachings. The Justice and Development Party (PJD) has condemned Ouahbi’s statements, which seemingly mock a prophetic saying (hadith) and appear to condone extramarital relationships.
The controversy stems from Ouahbi’s response during a press interview when discussing the presence of temptation in interactions between men and women. He dismissed the notion of the “devil being present” during such encounters, suggesting that if such were true, the devil would need to “show his national ID card” to offer testimony. This statement was perceived by many, including the PJD, as a trivialization of a widely respected hadith.
The PJD, in a strongly worded statement, expressed deep concern over Ouahbi’s “reckless and provocative pronouncements,” which they believe demonstrate a blatant disregard for the sanctity of Islamic values. They highlighted the stark contrast between the treatment of ordinary citizens, who often face legal repercussions for online posts deemed offensive to Islam, and the seemingly unchecked actions of a government minister.
This incident has ignited a debate about freedom of expression, religious sensitivity, and accountability within the Moroccan government. The PJD has questioned how Ouahbi can remain in office despite his repeated controversial remarks, which they believe contradict the values of the Moroccan people.
This is not the first time Ouahbi has been at the center of controversy. His stance on decriminalizing consensual relationships outside of marriage has also drawn criticism from conservative segments of society. This latest incident further fuels the debate on the role of religion in public life and the boundaries of acceptable discourse in Morocco.
The situation remains tense as the PJD calls for accountability and a reaffirmation of the country’s commitment to Islamic principles. The outcome of this controversy could have significant implications for the political landscape and social fabric of Morocco.
