Religious Services
With a mosque in its center and a church in its off-campus residences, the university preserves the right of its diverse community to practice its faiths in an environment of respect, peace and understanding. No discrimination or offences are allowed on the ground of religion.
Mosque
The mosque is managed by Imam Mr. Sliman Khanjari; who leads daily prayers. The Imam also holds Friday prayer and other rituals on special religious occasions, notably during the sacred month of Ramadan. Additionally, he offers advice on matters of religious nature.
Besides Mrs. Karen, the Chaplain of the church (See Christian services below), the Imam takes part in major religious gatherings and university ceremonies, wherein he is summoned to chant verses of the Koran, as the tradition goes.
Parties from both religions have also been involved in faith dialogue conferences taking place at the university within the framework of expanding knowledge and understanding, as well as developing tolerance and peace in believers from both sides.
On a monthly basis, the Imam provides the AUI community with an updated version of prayer times that you download by clicking on the PDF link cited here or you receive in the University Email account.
Mr Sliman Khanjari, Imam at the mosque
Email: S.Khanjari@aui.ma
Tel: 0535-86-2180
Christian Services
Mrs. Karen Smith, Chaplain at the church
Email: K.Smith@aui.ma
Tel: 0661-20-9443
The Al-Akhawayn University Christian Community gathers for worship and other special activities. We meet on Sunday evenings at 6:00 in the church apartment, located in building 9, apt. 6, of the faculty residences behind the Ifrane School. This is an ecumenical gathering (Protestant, Catholic, and Orthodox), blending elements from many different Christian traditions. Rev. Karen Thomas Smith (M.Div., Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia; M.A. St. John’s University School of Theology, Collegeville, Minnesota) leads in worship. In addition, we occasionally invite guest clergy from the Moroccan Council of Churches to accommodate needs and preferences of persons of other Christian traditions on campus.
Along with regular worship services, we have other ongoing and special activities we want you to know about:
Choir: Yes, we have a choir practicing and singing weekly! We work on a variety of music, from African-American spirituals to Gregorian chant. Anyone interested in singing in the choir should contact Dr. Kevin Smith at 2138 or Karen Thomas Smith (035) 56.68.61(off-campus) or send an e-mail to ksmithma@yahoo.com. We are currently practicing at 5:00 P.M. on Sunday evenings, with pick up from campus upon request.
Pizza Supper and Adult Bible Study: We meet for Adult Bible Study (and pizza) midweek (either Wednesday or Thursday evenings, depending on folks’ schedules) at 6:30 at Karen and Kevin Smith’s house. We provide transportation from campus and faculty residences at ~6:15 upon request.
Please know that you will always be welcome to come to any worship event or activity the church sponsors! If you have gifts you would like to use in worship or ministry, we will be delighted to find a way for you to make your contribution! We are glad you are here.
I hope to have the opportunity to get to know you in the coming days. And please feel free to call on me if you need a pastor. (The campus operator can always reach me, and my cell phone is 0661 20 94 43.)
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