"I can think of no better way to conclude this address to you than to remind you of the need to preserve the sacred trust received from our ancestors, namely our authentic Moroccan identity, for which we are envied", said the Sovereign on Thursday at a speech to the Nation on the occasion of the 16th throne day. 

     The Sovereign noted that it is Moroccans' national duty and religious obligation to safeguard their identity and remain committed to the Sunni, Maliki rite, inherited from their forefathers.

   "Let us not forget why fellow Moroccan citizens made the ultimate sacrifice during the First and Second World Wars in several parts of the globe, and why my revered grandfather, His Late Majesty King Mohammed V - may he rest in peace - was exiled", recalled HM the King who pointed out that "sacrifices were made so that the universal, human values we all believe in may prevail. Today, in keeping with the same values, we are fighting against extremism and terrorism."

    After noting that it is out of commitment to its Arab and Islamic identity that the Kingdom "joined the inter-Arab alliances to fight terrorism and restore legitimacy in Yemen", insisted that there is no reason why Moroccans should give up their traditions and forsake their cultural values - which are rooted in tolerance and moderation - in order to embrace a different doctrine that has nothing to do with their ethics. 

    "Therefore, let no one from outside the country give you lessons on how to live your faith. And although I respect all revealed religions, let me say this: do not accept anyone’s invitation to embrace a different rite or faith, be it from East or West, North or South", the Sovereign advised, calling Moroccans "to reject any attempt to sow the seeds of division, and to remain - as always -  deeply committed to the unity of your rite and to your sacred values, and to be proud of your faith and of belonging to this nation."