HIBAPRESS – Utrecht: Tariq Abla
In a spiritual atmosphere overflowing with the blessed month of Ramadan, the headquarters of the Consulate General of the Kingdom of Morocco in the city of Utrecht hosted a Ramadan gathering that brought together a group of members of the Moroccan community residing in the Netherlands, including heads and members of associations, representatives of mosques, and civil society figures, in addition to Moroccan frameworks and competencies, as well as members of the Ramadan religious mission coming from Morocco, in a human moment that embodied the depth of the bonds that unite the community members with their homeland.
This meeting began with the recitation of the national anthem of the Kingdom of Morocco, where the attendees stood in a moment of silence and appreciation, expressing pride in belonging to the homeland, before the atmosphere was perfumed with the recitation of verses from the Holy Quran, in a solemn spiritual atmosphere that reflected the symbolism of the holy month and its sublime values.
In a speech on the occasion, the Consul General of the Kingdom of Morocco in Utrecht, Omar El Khayari, welcomed the attendees, including heads of associations, representatives of mosques, civil society figures, and Moroccan frameworks, expressing his happiness at the consulate headquarters hosting this Ramadan meeting that brings together members of the community around the iftar table in an atmosphere of brotherhood, love, and solidarity.
He affirmed that this meeting is not limited to sharing an iftar meal, but also represents an opportunity to strengthen the ties of kinship between members of the Moroccan community and to strengthen the bonds of communication and human rapprochement, reflecting the noble values that the blessed month of Ramadan instills in souls.
The Consul General pointed out that the organization of this Ramadan iftar comes, as in previous years, within the framework of the supreme royal care that His Majesty King Mohammed VI, may God protect him, gives to his loyal subjects from the Moroccan community residing abroad, as well as in the context of the continuous attention that Moroccan institutions pay to the affairs of Moroccan citizens around the world.
He also highlighted that the month of Ramadan, in addition to being a month of worship and fasting, is also an opportunity to consolidate the values of mercy, solidarity, and social solidarity, during which the bonds of brotherhood and cooperation are renewed, and everyone is keen to spread good and strengthen the spirit of solidarity within the community.
In this context, the Consul General praised the initiatives undertaken by many mosque institutions and associative bodies during this holy month, by organizing Ramadan iftar tables that brought together people from different races and religions, in an image that reflects the original Moroccan values based on moderation, coexistence, and the spirit of tolerance.
He also considered that the presence of a number of Dutch friends in such Ramadan meetings embodies the depth of friendship and mutual respect, and reflects the spirit of understanding and human rapprochement within Dutch society.
Before concluding his speech, the Consul General expressed his thanks and appreciation to the members of the Ramadan religious mission from the guiding professors and preachers, praising their efforts in guiding the Moroccan community and reviving religious activities during the blessed month of Ramadan.
For his part, Sheikh Omar El Yousfi, the Imam and preacher at the Princess Mosque in the city of Marrakech and a member of the Ramadan religious mission, spoke, and he stressed that this Ramadan iftar reflects an original Moroccan tradition based on generosity and communication, pointing out that the gathering of Moroccans around a collective iftar table carries a lot of blessing and spiritual meanings.
He added that the attendance of members of the Moroccan community and their participation in such meetings reflects the strength of the bonds that unite Moroccans with each other wherever they are, and also embodies the position that the Moroccan religious mission enjoys in accompanying and guiding the community during the holy month.
At the conclusion of his speech, Sheikh Omar El Yousfi raised his hands in supplication to God Almighty to protect the Commander of the Faithful, His Majesty King Mohammed VI, and to perpetuate on Morocco the blessing of security and stability, praising at the same time the efforts made by the Consulate General in Utrecht and its staff in serving the members of the Moroccan community.
After that, the call to the Maghrib prayer was made, and the attendees began to break their fast in a spiritual and fraternal atmosphere, before heading to the space designated for performing the Maghrib prayer in congregation.
In a statement on the occasion, the community activist Mohamed Diba affirmed that this Ramadan meeting represents a distinguished human station that brings together members of the Moroccan community in a family atmosphere that reflects the depth of the bonds that unite them with their homeland, pointing out that such initiatives enhance the spirit of solidarity and communication between the different components of the Moroccan community in the Netherlands.
He added that the organization of this iftar in honor of the imams and preachers coming from Morocco is a gesture of appreciation for their important role in guiding the community during the month of Ramadan and spreading the values of moderation and balance that characterize the Moroccan religious model.
For his part, the community activist Mohamed Zriouh, known for his charitable initiatives and his continuous contributions to supporting solidarity work and assisting remote areas in Morocco, expressed his happiness at participating in this Ramadan meeting, considering that such occasions enhance the spirit of charitable work and solidarity among members of the Moroccan community inside and outside the country.
He also praised the role played by the Consulate General in bringing together the various components of the community around initiatives that enhance communication and joint work.
This meeting also witnessed a distinctive role for the Assistant Consul Abdo Al-Qadiri, who had a prominent presence alongside the consular staff, as the consulate contributed to providing the appropriate conditions for the success of this meeting, which brought together members of the Moroccan community in an atmosphere of brotherhood and fraternity.
This Ramadan iftar comes within the framework of the Consulate General of the Kingdom of Morocco in Utrecht's keenness to enhance communication with members of the Moroccan community, and to consolidate the values of solidarity and cooperation that characterize Moroccan society, especially during the blessed month of Ramadan.
