As part of his official visit to the Kingdom of Morocco, His Excellency Prof. Koutoub Moustapha Sano, Secretary General of the Academy (IIFA), accompanied by Mr. Hassan Kumait, Director of the Department of Courses, Conferences and Seminars at the Academy, and Ms. Hassna, Head of the Cooperation Division at the Ministry of Endowments and Islamic Affairs of the Kingdom of Morocco, visited the Hassan II Mosque and the Academy of Traditional Arts, affiliated with the Hassan II Mosque Foundation, in Casablanca on Tuesday, 7 Safar 1448 AH, corresponding to 21 July 2026.

Upon his arrival, His Excellency was welcomed by Mr. Abdelouafi Madfoun, Provincial Delegate of Islamic Affairs for the Province of Mediouna.

During the visit, His Excellency and the accompanying delegation toured the Hassan II Mosque under the guidance of a representative of the Ministry of Endowments and Islamic Affairs, who provided a comprehensive presentation on the history of this iconic religious and cultural landmark. The briefing outlined the various stages of the mosque’s development, beginning with the conception of the project and the preparation of its architectural designs and models, followed by the laying of the foundation stone on 11 July 1986, and continuing through the successive phases of construction, decoration, and furnishing until its official inauguration on 30 August 1993, coinciding with the celebration of the Prophet’s Birthday (Mawlid al-Nabawi).

His Excellency was also briefed on the rationale behind selecting Casablanca as the location for this monumental project. The mosque forms part of a comprehensive urban and developmental vision intended to endow Morocco’s economic capital with a major spiritual and civilizational landmark that reflects the Kingdom’s values of faith, openness, and tolerance. Just as the University of Al-Qarawiyyin symbolizes the city of Fez, the Hassan Tower represents Rabat, and the Koutoubia Mosque stands as the emblem of Marrakesh, the Hassan II Mosque has become the defining landmark of Casablanca. Its unique location overlooking the Atlantic Ocean was chosen in fulfillment of the vision of the late His Majesty King Hassan II, may Allah have mercy upon him, inspired by the Qur’anic verse: “And His Throne had been upon the water.” (Qur’an 11:7).

The delegation was further introduced to the mosque’s exceptional architectural and engineering achievements, which seamlessly blend the authenticity of Islamic architecture with contemporary engineering excellence. The mosque stands as a remarkable testament to the collaboration between engineers and Morocco’s master craftsmen and artisans. The tour highlighted its most distinguished features, including the 200-meter-high minaret crowned with a laser beam directed toward Makkah, visible from approximately 30 kilometers away, the magnificent main prayer hall spanning 20,000 square meters, and the expansive esplanade covering nearly 30,000 square meters, capable of accommodating tens of thousands of worshippers.

Following the mosque visit, His Excellency and the accompanying delegation toured the Academy of Traditional Arts, established on 31 October 2012 pursuant to the High Royal Instructions of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, may Allah preserve him. Affiliated with the Hassan II Mosque Foundation, the Academy has emerged as a distinguished institution of higher education and vocational training dedicated to the preservation and promotion of Morocco’s traditional arts and crafts. It combines academic learning, technological knowledge, and practical training with the expertise inherited from master craftsmen, integrating theoretical instruction with hands-on apprenticeship. This educational model prepares a new generation capable of safeguarding Morocco’s rich artistic heritage, advancing its traditional crafts, and encouraging innovation across diverse artistic disciplines.

At the conclusion of the visit, His Excellency expressed his profound admiration for the Hassan II Mosque, describing it as an extraordinary masterpiece of Moroccan Islamic architecture and a unique embodiment of the harmonious integration of authenticity and modernity. He also praised the Academy of Traditional Arts for its invaluable contribution to preserving Morocco’s cultural and artisanal heritage and ensuring the transmission of its knowledge and craftsmanship to future generations through a comprehensive academic and practical approach.

His Excellency further emphasized that safeguarding traditional arts and crafts is, in essence, preserving the historical memory and civilizational identity of the Ummah. He affirmed that the Hassan II Mosque and the Academy of Traditional Arts stand as exemplary institutions serving religion, culture, and the arts while promoting the timeless values of beauty, excellence, creativity, and pride in the authentic Islamic heritage.

His Excellency concluded by supplicating Almighty Allah to bestow His infinite mercy and forgiveness upon the two departed leaders of the Ummah, His Majesty King Mohammed V and His Majesty King Hassan II, may Allah have mercy upon them both and grant them the highest ranks in Paradise. He also prayed that Allah preserve Amir Al-Mu’minin, His Majesty King Mohammed VI, grant him continued success, bless His Royal Highness Crown Prince Moulay El Hassan, and bestow upon the Kingdom of Morocco and its people enduring security, peace, stability, and prosperity.