Morocco’s King Mohammed VI has announced that citizens should refrain from sheep sacrifices during Eid Al Adha this year due to a severe drought leading to a 38% drop in livestock and increased meat prices. Rainfall has decreased significantly, creating challenges for pastoral care. The king’s message highlights the need to consider the economic hardships faced by many families during this religious festival.
King Mohammed VI of Morocco has urged citizens to abstain from the traditional sheep sacrifice during Eid Al Adha this year. This plea is made in response to a significant decline in livestock due to ongoing drought conditions which have escalated meat prices nationwide. The country has experienced a 38 percent decrease in its herd over the last year amidst a prolonged drought that has lasted seven years.
Recent statistics from the agriculture ministry indicate that rainfall in 2025 has been 53 percent lower than the average from the past three decades. This reduction in precipitation has adversely affected the availability of pasture, making it difficult for livestock to feed and survive. Consequently, the king has raised concerns regarding the economic and climatic challenges facing Morocco.
In his address, delivered by the minister of religious affairs via national television, King Mohammed VI acknowledged the significance of the Eid festival but emphasized that performing the traditional sacrifice under these conditions could cause hardship for many, particularly those with lower incomes. He stated, “Our commitment to enabling you to fulfil this religious rite under the best conditions is accompanied by the duty to consider the climatic and economic challenges facing our country.”
Morocco’s meat production has declining sharply over the past year, resulting in increasing prices and a reliance on imports to meet local demand. Recently, the Moroccan government has arranged to import up to 100,000 sheep from Australia to help alleviate meat shortages in the market. Eid Al Adha, also known as the Festival of Sacrifice, remembers the willingness of Ibrahim (Abraham) to sacrifice his son, highlighting deep-rooted cultural and religious significance.
In summary, King Mohammed VI has called for citizens to refrain from the customary sheep sacrifice during Eid Al Adha due to ongoing droughts that have reduced livestock and increased meat prices. The king’s message reflects the broader economic and environmental challenges facing Morocco, emphasizing the need for compassion towards those most affected by these conditions. With a significant decrease in local meat production, reliance on imports is expected to grow as the country seeks to stabilize the market.
Original Source: www.thenationalnews.com
