Zawiya of Moulay Idris II (Founder of Fez)
Zawiya of Moulay Idris II (Founder of Fez)
Idrisiyya SilsilaEst. 828 CE (9th Century CE (3rd Century AH))100% Scholarly Verified
زاوية وضريح مولاي إدريس الأزهر بفاسزاویہ مولائے ادریس ثانی، بانیِ فاس، مراکش

Zawiya of Moulay Idris II (Founder of Fez)

Moulay Idris Al-Azhar • Qutb of the Maghreb

Place Moulay Idriss, Fes el-Bali Medina, Fez, Morocco

Historical Overview & Significance

The sacred sanctuary of Moulay Idris II (RA), great-grandson of Imam al-Hasan ibn Ali (RA) and historic founder of the imperial city of Fez, the spiritual capital of Morocco.

Detailed Historical Chronicle & Foundations

Moulay Idris II established Fez in 192 AH (808 CE) after his father Idris I founded the Idrisid Dynasty. He planned the historic Medina of Fez (Fes el-Bali), built the original central mosque, and invited scholars from Kairouan and Cordoba. In 1308 CE, his intact tomb was revealed during renovation work, and Sultan Moulay Ismail transformed the site into the current magnificent sanctuary.
Architectural Style: Moorish-Andalusian Green Tiled Pyramid Roof, Cedar Wood Muqarnas & Stucco Calligraphy

Associated Saints, Masters & Scholars

Moulay Idris II (Al-Azhar)

مولاي إدريس الثاني بن إدريس الأول بن عبد الله الكاملمولائے ادریس ثانی

MoulayAl-AzharAmir al-Maghreb
Passed: 213 AH (828 CE)
Master: Rashid the Mawla of Idris I

Sixth-generation descendant of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ through Imam al-Hasan, who unified the Berber and Arab tribes under the banner of Islamic governance and scholarship.

Distinguished Disciples: Muhammad ibn Idris • Scholars of Early Qarawiyyin

Primary Classical Chronicles & Source Citations

Zero Inventions
Classical WorkAuthor / CompilerLanguageVerification Standard
Rawd al-QirtasFoundation of Fez & Discovery of the Tomb of Idris IIIbn Abi Zar al-FasiArabicPrimary Classical Chronicle
Annual Urs Mubarak12-19 Rabi al-Awwal

Moussem of Moulay Idris II

Procession of the traditional ceremonial wax candles (Mawaqit), presentation of the Kiswa cloth covering woven by master Moroccan artisans, Andalusian Madih chants, and Quranic recitations.

Season: Autumn / Rabi al-Awwal
Annual Attendance: 200,000+ pilgrims

Visiting Guidelines & Adab

Visiting HoursOpen daily from Fajr to Isha (Inner sanctuary reserved for Muslims)
Best Time to VisitMid-morning or post-Asr when the sun illuminates the cedar wood ceilings
Dress Code RequirementsTraditional Moroccan Djellaba or modest clothing with covered shoulders and knees.
Langar & Niaz (Free Food)Distribution of Moroccan couscous, mint tea, and bread to the poor every Friday.

Sacred Etiquette:

  • Observe the traditional sacred perimeter (Horm) marking sacred sanctuary grounds.
  • Recite Surah Al-Fatiha and blessings on the Prophetic household.
  • Maintain quiet decorum in the narrow historic stone alleyways.

Geographic Specifications

Latitude: 34.0648°N
Longitude: -4.9754°E
Altitude: 410 meters ASL
Airport: Fès–Saïs Airport (FEZ) - 15 km
Railway: Gare de Fès - 4 km