About Morocco: Religion
Although Morocco is a liberal country by islamic standards, the influence of religion on society is very strong. Its impact is felt everywhere in everyday life.
Mosques
Non-muslims cannot enter the mosques in Morocco. This rule was introduced during the French colonial period. The only exception is the great Hassan II mosque in Casablanca, which can be visited with an official guide only. Standing at the entrance of a mosque and looking inside or taking photos of people during the prayer (whether they are praying in a mosque or on the street) is considered impolite and offensive (don't do it, never).
Every neighbourhood in every city has its own mosque, and the smallest villages too. The call to prayer can be heard five times a day. Friday prayer is the most important one, much like Sunday in the Christian tradition. On Fridays, businesses close earlier and there are far less people on the streets — everyone is going to the nearest mosque to pray. Still, the weekend in Morocco lasts from Saturday to Sunday, unlike some other Arab countries, where it consists of Friday and Sunday.
Ramadan
Ramadan is the 9th month in the islamic calendar, during which the Quran was revealed to the Prophet Mohammed. This is the month of fasting: muslims must refrain from eating, drinking, smoking and sex every day of Ramadan, from sunrise till sunset.
During Ramadan, all the restaurants, snacks, bars and cafés are closed during the day. Supermarkets and shops are open and you may buy food and drink, but you cannot eat, drink or smoke in the street. Doing so is asking for serious trouble.
You will also notice that the women in Morocco aren't wearing makeup or perfume during Ramadan. Both the state institutions and private companies, banks and shops have shorter opening hours.
No alcohol can be bought anywhere during Ramadan, nor can it be ordered in any restaurant.
Ramadan takes place at a different time each year, because it follows the islamic calendar, which is a lunar one, and different from the western calendar. In 2008, Ramadan in Morocco will approximately last from 1st to 30th September. The exact date of the beginning and the end of the muslim holy month in Morocco is always officially announced a day or two in advance.
The Hand of Fatima
The hand of Fatima can be seen worn by women in Morocco, painted on doors, or acting as a doorknob and hanged on walls too. It represents the hand of Fatima Zohra, the daughter of the Prophet Mohammed and is believed to protect from the evil eye. This belief is shared in Algeria and Tunisia too. It should be noted that this symbol is considered as a superstition by many muslims.
The five fingers of the open palm of the hand of Fatima coincide with the number 5 — the five pillars of Islam, the five daily prayers. You can see the symbol on the top of each page of this website, it is the part of the logo. The fingers can point either upwards or downwards.