This study examines the role of Assigned Islamic Jurists** ( 19( in Moroccan village communities in the province of Tiznit. A central part of these villages' social fabric, religious leaders were targeted by the reform project adopted by the Moroccan State a decade ago. The project aimed at training these scholars in spreading the brand of Islam adopted by the Moroccan state. Within this context, this study closely examines the roles of four central parties: the Moroccan State; the Assigned

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... mic Jurists who practice the popular Islam upon which the State relies; the traditional community managing the community's affairs and appointing these jurists; and lastly, the forces that are resistant to the state-supported brand of Islam. The author analyzes the strategies used by each of these stakeholders to exercise control within the village.