For the first time, citizens of Morocco will mark Eid-ul-Azha this year without performing the traditional ritual of animal sacrifice.
The decision, made under the directive of the Moroccan monarch, comes in the wake of a severe economic downturn and prolonged agricultural distress in the country.
Eid-ul-Azha, one of the most sacred occasions in the Islamic calendar, is observed in remembrance of Prophet Ibrahim’s (AS) willingness to sacrifice his son, Prophet Ismail (AS), as an act of obedience to God.
Traditionally, the day is marked by the slaughtering of animals and distribution of meat among family, friends, and the needy.
However, the Eid being observed on June 7 this year will present a very different picture in Morocco. The North African nation has been grappling with drought for the past seven years, compounding its economic and agricultural woes. This leads to a sharp 38% drop in the sheep population. This scarcity has sent animal prices soaring.
Last year, a single sheep cost up to $600, or about $7 to $7.5 per kilogram. The minimum wage in Morocco is around 3,100 Dirhams (approximately $335), making it very difficult for many to afford an animal for sacrifice.
Given these challenging conditions, in February, King Mohammed VI of Morocco had the Minister of Islamic Affairs read a letter. The letter appealed to the public to refrain from making sacrifices this Eid al-Adha. The King also announced he would perform the sacrifice on behalf of the nation's people.
This extraordinary move is not entirely new for Morocco. It previously occurred during the reign of King Hassan II, who canceled sacrifices on three past occasions. The current appeal highlights the deep economic and agricultural challenges the country is navigating.
