Casablanca, historic city of Morocco

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Casablanca, situated on the Atlantic coast of Morocco is one of the biggest cities of Africa. The city is known throughout the Muslim world because of the Hassan II Mosque which was completed in 1993. This masterpiece of Islamic art and architecture dominates the city’s waterfront. Its minaret towers 200 meters (about 60 stories high) over central ‘Casa.’ The mosque is the second largest mosque in the world (25,000 people can pray in the mosque and another 80,000 on the esplanade outside).

Population Explosion in Casablanca, Morocco

Casablanca’s population literally exploded in recent decades up from two million in 1985 to five million people in 2001. Vast numbers of people live in badly conceived shantytowns in the city’s suburbs. Many public services have not been able to follow the city’s rapid expansion. Often the relatively difficult conditions in the shantytowns do not allow many to realize their dreams of a better life.

Discouraged Youth of Casablanca, Morocco

All of Casablanca’s youth are seeking to reconcile their Islamic Arab/Berber origins with the emerging global youth culture. It is not uncommon for young Moroccans in Casablanca to watch MTV and try to copy Western fashions. Others return to their cultural roots and seek to integrate their more traditional Islamic values into the modern world. Exposure to Western culture and wealth through satellite television and the Internet encourages millions of young Moroccans to dream of coming to Europe. Already tens of thousands have paid small fortunes to cross the Strait of Gibraltar illegally from Morocco’s Northern Coast to Spain. It is not uncommon for the Spanish authorities to intercept 200 or more people per night as Moroccans attempt to cross the Strait in small boats.

The daily realities of living in Spain’s big cities like Barcelona, Madrid and Malaga do not always measure up with the expectations of immigrants. High prices, cramped living conditions and the constant threat of being deported cause many to long for home. Those who are illegally employed are not always paid correctly however they cannot complain because of their status.
Thousands find themselves in an impasse, hoping for a better life, yet experiencing the harsh realities of being an illegal immigrant in Europe. How many young discouraged and disappointed Moroccan Muslims have not thought of returning home?

Prayer Guide for Casablanca, Morocco:

* Pray for the city of Casablanca. Millions of poor Moroccans living there have never heard the Gospel.

* Thousands of Muslim illegal immigrants in Spain need to hear the Gospel. Often they need a helping hand to rectify their situation with the authorities. Some small groups of Christians are actively seeking to reach out to these illegal immigrants. Pray for wisdom, courage, understanding and strength as these believers seek to help and evangelize Muslims (1 John 4:21).