As recorded by the 19th-century Moroccan scholar Muhammad ibn Ja‘far al-Kattani in 1849, there is a long-held tradition among the people of the Sous region that the mountains separating their lands from the southern Moroccan deserts are the final resting place of three prophets.
In his writings, al-Kattani listed the names as: Prophet Daniel, Prophet Shanaweel, and Prophet Hizqil (Ezekiel).
A Prophet Near Tata
In the heart of southern Morocco’s Tata Province, specifically in the village of Issafen, lies an unusual shrine. Locals refer to it as the Sanctuary of Sayyiduna Nabi Allah. Others know it as Sidi Hizqil or, in Latin script, Ezikiel.
According to regional oral traditions, Hizqil was among the prophets sent to the Children of Israel in the East. He is believed to have journeyed thousands of kilometres before settling — and eventually being buried — in this modest village located in the Sous region, an area predominantly inhabited by Morocco’s Amazigh population.
Known locally as Sidi Hizqil or Sidi Welknnas, the prophet’s grave stretches over seven metres, sparking many questions about its origins. It is not the only oversized grave in the area, but, as noted by researcher Rachid Kraid, it is the only one marked with a domed structure. Each summer, residents from the Aït Fid tribe gather at this site, located halfway between the Issafen commune and the village of Tissawt in the Tata Province.
Some locals believe the figure buried there is none other than Prophet Hizqil, a view that connects his origin to the ancient Israelites.
Land of the Messengers
According to researcher Rachid Kraid, many in the region believe the presence of Prophet Hizqil is the reason for the area’s spiritual blessings, despite its arid and rugged landscape. Hizqil is believed to be the prophet mentioned in the Qur’an in the story of the man who passed by a town of the dead, and whom Allah brought back to life.
This view aligns with Imam al-Tabari’s interpretation of verse 243 in Surah al-Baqarah:
“Have you not seen those who fled their homes by the thousands, fearing death? Allah said to them, ‘Die’; then He restored them to life. Indeed, Allah is Most Gracious to mankind, but most people are ungrateful.” (Al-Baqarah 2:243)
Annual Festival of “Sidi Nabi Allah”
Each year in August, the region hosts a religious seasonal gathering (mawsim) in honour of the Prophet. Resident Khalid al-Ghazali told Aswat Maghribiya that despite the intense heat of the Tata region at that time, large numbers of visitors come to seek blessings and supplicate to Allah, hoping their prayers will be answered through the honour of one of Allah’s prophets, particularly those who return to their ancestral homeland from afar.
Researcher Kraid adds that specific rituals are observed during the mawsim:
“People slaughter livestock to honour the guests of the season. This practice, known locally as al-ma‘ruf, is a cultural obligation for the people of the area, who are expected to welcome, feed, and reconnect with their visitors.”
A Sacred School of Learning
Near the shrine stands an old Qur’anic school named after the Prophet Hizqil. Its director, Abdullah Arsa, says the school gained fame for its association with the shrine. It attracts students from across Tata, Tiznit, Bouj, and even Tinghir. The curriculum includes Qur’an memorisation and related Islamic sciences.
The school is officially listed by the Ministry of Endowments and Islamic Affairs under the name “Madrasa Sidi Hizqil”, although there is no official verification regarding the identity of the individual buried at the site.
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