Morocco Donates Qurans to São Tomé Muslim Community

A diplomatic gift arrived at São Tomé's main mosque just in time for Ramadan, bringing sacred texts and a message of solidarity to the tiny island nation's Muslim minority.

Morocco's Ambassador Abdellah Sbihi traveled to São Tomé and Príncipe to personally deliver copies of the Quran to the local mosque. The imam received the donation alongside members of the Mohammed VI Foundation for African Ulema, a network connecting Islamic scholars across the continent.

The ambassador described the gesture as proof of "fraternal relations and spirit of solidarity" between Morocco and the island nation. He emphasized Morocco's commitment to promoting an Islam rooted in peace and tolerance, values championed by King Mohammed VI.

For São Tomé's Muslim community, which represents a small fraction of the population, the donation carries special meaning. Community leader Wilton da Conceição das Neves expressed gratitude and praised Morocco's efforts to support moderate Islamic practice across Africa.

Morocco's approach stands out for its deep historical roots. The country's religious tradition combines three elements that have flourished in North and West Africa for centuries: Maliki jurisprudence, Ash'ari theology, and Sufi spirituality. This combination gives Morocco credibility that newer movements struggle to match.

The Ripple Effect

This Ramadan donation is one piece of a much larger picture. Since 2015, the Mohammed VI Foundation for African Ulema has built chapters across multiple African countries, creating networks where religious scholars collaborate on countering extremism and promoting interfaith understanding.

Morocco pairs these religious initiatives with broader diplomatic and economic partnerships across the continent. The kingdom has opened 22 consulates in African nations since 2019, treating cultural and spiritual ties as inseparable from trade relationships.

For a small island nation like São Tomé and Príncipe, these connections matter. The partnership brings resources, knowledge exchange, and a sense of belonging to a wider community of faith that spans the Atlantic.

The mosque donation shows how acts of generosity can build bridges between nations and nurture shared values across thousands of miles.