No Eid Sheep This Year as King Urges Abandonment of Tradition Amidst Drought Crisis

The severe decline in the sheep population, prompted by prolonged droughts, has led to soaring meat prices and a call to avoid the traditional Eid sacrifice.

King Mohammed VI of Morocco has delivered a heartfelt message urging citizens to abstain from the customary sheep slaughter during Eid al-Adha, which will take place this June. This year’s plea is a response to the staggering decline in the country's sheep herds, which have decreased by almost 40% over the past decade, primarily due to persistent drought conditions affecting food supply. The decline has prompted officials to import around 100,000 sheep from Australia to address meat shortages.

Eid al-Adha, also known as the Festival of Sacrifice, commemorates the Prophet Ibrahim's readiness to sacrifice his son in submission to God's command, an act that is traditionally celebrated by Muslims through the slaughtering of sheep or other livestock, with the meat being distributed among family and the less fortunate.

In a televised address, King Mohammed VI emphasized that performing this significant rite under the current circumstances would severely impact many families, particularly those with limited financial resources. The king's admonition echoed similar sentiments expressed by his father, Hassan II, back in 1966 during a similar drought scenario.

Morocco’s agriculture minister, Ahmed Bouari, elaborated on the situation, indicating that water scarcity has compelled the government to prioritize water distribution for essential sectors, stifling agricultural endeavors. To counteract the rising prices of meat, the Moroccan government has lifted import taxes and VAT on livestock and red meat, aiming to stabilize the market amidst these challenging conditions.

This year's Eid al-Adha poses a poignant reflection of the ongoing struggles within Morocco, reminding citizens of the importance of community support during difficult times.