Beyond Borders: Murshidat As Agents of Religious Diplomacy and Feminist Discourse in Morocco's Foreign Religious Policy

The evolving role of murshidat (female religious guides) in Morocco's religious politics, both domestically and in their impact on foreign religious policy, highlights the intersection of new forms of regional diplomacy and the debate surrounding a purported state feminism. Institutionalized as part of a broader strategy to promote a moderate Islam—presented as a solution to the influences of extremist currents and aligned with the concept of "spiritual security"—the murshidat play a crucial role as agents of Islamization both within and beyond Morocco's borders, including delegations sent abroad to Europe, North America, and other diaspora contexts. Similarly, students trained in Morocco from West African and Sahel countries fulfill similar roles in their home countries, returning after being educated in the 'islam du juste milieu.' In countries like Algeria or Turkey, their institutionalization has equally served the dual purpose of reinforcing state control over religious discourse and combating extremism. However, their degree of institutionalization as authoritative figures varies from country to country. This work analyzes the Moroccan case, where questions arise regarding the level of authority and agency of the murshidat, as well as the motivations behind their official recognition. Critical authors argue that rather than representing some form of "State feminism," these reforms seem to aim at a feminization of public religious spaces that operates within preexisting patriarchal structures. Particularly focusing on those murchidat who have participated in delegations abroad, this research examines the potential instrumentalization of murshidat as a tool of religious diplomacy in Morocco's foreign policy. Additionally, it opens a debate on the level of agency they possess and whether it is pertinent to discuss feminism in this context. These women not only shape international perceptions of Moroccan Islam but also reinforce religious cohesion both within and beyond the country's borders.