No Sheep for Eid: Moroccan King Urges Citizens to Forgo Sacrificial Rite
King Mohammed VI has called on Moroccans to refrain from slaughtering sheep during this year’s Eid al-Adha due to a significant decline in the country’s livestock population.
The shortage is attributed to seven consecutive years of drought, which has severely impacted pastures and led to a 38% reduction in Morocco’s herds over the past decade, according to official reports.
Eid al-Adha, observed in June, is a major Islamic holiday commemorating the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) to sacrifice his son in obedience to God. Traditionally, Muslims mark the occasion by slaughtering sheep or other livestock, distributing the meat among family members and donating portions to the less fortunate.
However, rising meat prices and a dwindling supply have made the ritual increasingly difficult. To address the shortfall, Morocco is importing 100,000 sheep from Australia.
In a speech delivered on national television by the minister of religious affairs, King Mohammed VI emphasized that performing the sacrifice this year could impose undue financial strain on many Moroccans, particularly those with lower incomes. He urged the nation to prioritize economic stability over tradition during these challenging times.
A similar appeal was made in 1966 by the king’s father, Hassan II, when Morocco faced a prolonged drought.
Morocco’s agriculture minister, Ahmed Bouari, recently explained the broader crisis, stating that securing water for essential sectors like drinking water and industry had taken precedence. As a result, agriculture has suffered the most, with strict water rationing and irrigation restrictions in place.
To mitigate the crisis, the government has removed import taxes and VAT on cattle, sheep, camels, and red meat in an effort to stabilize prices.
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