Final answer:
Santiago learns about the local people of Morocco, their customs, and their faith, which helps him gain a deeper understanding of their culture and influences his spiritual journey.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the story, Santiago learns about the local people of Morocco, their customs, and their faith through his interactions with them during his journey. He meets the crystal merchant who teaches him about their customs and the importance of prayer in their daily lives. Santiago also learns about the Muslim faith, as the people in Morocco follow Islam and recite verses from the Koran to fulfill their religious obligations.
This knowledge is important to the story as it helps Santiago gain a deeper understanding of the culture and faith of the people he encounters. It broadens his perspective and allows him to appreciate the diversity of beliefs and customs in the world. It also shapes his own spiritual journey and influences his decisions as he continues his quest for his Personal Legend.