Why is the king of Morocco an important religious figure?

The king of Morocco holds significant religious importance primarily due to his lineage and constitutional role. The ruling ‘Alawite dynasty bases its legitimacy on its direct descent from the Prophet Muhammad, a heritage that commands deep reverence among Moroccan Muslims.1

Beyond this ancestral claim, the king serves as the ultimate authority over religious affairs in the country. This status is formally recognized within the constitutional framework, which grants the monarch absolute authority over religious matters, alongside his control over the armed forces and national security policy. Historically, monarchs have actively guarded this position as the religious head of state, using it to maintain public support and navigate the complex landscape of religious and political life in Morocco.23