Ammon News - The city of Dakhla, in southern Morocco, will host the Second Edition of the Ilaf International Sufism Forum on Saturday, July 25, 2026. The event is organized by the Ilaf International Sufism Association in the Dakhla–Oued Eddahab region, in partnership with the Regional Council of Ulema and the Regional Delegation of Islamic Affairs. The forum will take place at the Agricultural Chamber Hall, beginning at 5:30 p.m.

This year's edition coincides with the celebration of the 27th anniversary of Morocco's Throne Day and is held within the framework of implementing the directives contained in the Royal Message addressed to Islamic scholars on the occasion of the fifteenth centenary of the birth of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). The event reflects Morocco's commitment to strengthening its religious foundations and promoting the values of moderation, balance, and tolerance.

The organizers have chosen "The Commander of the Faithful and Its Renewed Spiritual Roles" as the theme of this edition, highlighting the significance of the Institution of the Commander of the Faithful, led by His Majesty King Mohammed VI, as the constitutional and religious authority responsible for overseeing religious affairs in the Kingdom. The institution serves as the guarantor of Morocco's unified religious identity, which is based on the Ash'ari creed, the Maliki school of jurisprudence, and Sunni Sufism.

The forum will bring together a distinguished group of scholars, researchers, and intellectuals, including Dr. Abdellah Boussouf, Dr. Mohammed Téhami Harrak, Dr. Mohammed El Mahdi Mansour, and Dr. Adnane Zahar. Their presentations will examine the historical, legal, and spiritual dimensions of the Institution of the Commander of the Faithful, while also discussing its role in strengthening spiritual security, addressing the challenges of extremism, and promoting the values of peace, coexistence, and dialogue.

The program will begin with an opening session featuring a recitation from the Holy Qur'an, followed by official addresses delivered by the Director of the Ilaf International Sufism Forum, the Wali (Governor) of the Dakhla–Oued Eddahab region, the President of the Regional Council of Ulema, and the Regional Delegate of Islamic Affairs. The scientific sessions will conclude with prayers for His Majesty King Mohammed VI, Commander of the Faithful.

The forum's activities extend beyond the academic conference and will span four days. Participating delegations will be welcomed at Dakhla Airport on the evening of Friday, July 24. On Saturday morning, the Regional Council of Ulema will organize a regional symposium, followed by an evening of traditional Madh (religious praise) and Sama' (Sufi devotional chanting). Sunday's program includes visits to several religious zawiyas (Sufi lodges) in the region, along with religious sermons and guidance sessions in local mosques. The forum will conclude with the departure of participants on Monday, July 27.

The Ilaf International Sufism Forum is expected to serve as a prominent scholarly and intellectual platform for advancing dialogue on the spiritual roles of the Institution of the Commander of the Faithful and highlighting the distinctive Moroccan model of religious governance. It will also showcase the contribution of Sunni Sufism to promoting moderation, tolerance, and social cohesion, while reinforcing Morocco's religious and cultural influence at both the regional and international levels.