King Mohammed VI Urges Abstention from Sheep Slaughter on Eid Al-Adha due to Drought

Due to significant drought and a 38% reduction in livestock, King Mohammed VI of Morocco has requested citizens to refrain from sheep slaughter during Eid Al-Adha this year. The King emphasized the socio-economic impacts of continuing the tradition under current conditions, urging consideration of the challenges faced by many families. The country has also signed deals to import sheep and altered its budget to stabilize local meat prices.

In a significant announcement, King Mohammed VI of Morocco has urged citizens to refrain from the traditional slaughter of sheep during Eid Al-Adha this year due to the adverse impacts of prolonged droughts. This year’s Eid Al-Adha, slated for June, symbolizes the readiness of Ibrahim (Abraham) to sacrifice his son in obedience to God’s will, with the customary act of slaughtering sheep or goats being a key tradition in this celebration.

Official statistics reveal that Morocco’s livestock population, particularly cattle and sheep, has declined by 38 percent since the last census conducted nine years ago. This dramatic reduction is a direct consequence of consecutive years of drought, which have severely impacted the availability of livestock.

In a letter relayed by Minister of Religious Affairs Ahmed Taoufiq on state television, the King expressed concern over the conditions that hinder the fulfillment of this sacred rite. He emphasized that while the nation strives to provide the best circumstances for religious practices, it is also necessary to recognize the economic and climatic hurdles resulting in a significant decline in livestock numbers.

The King highlighted that “performing the rite under these difficult circumstances will cause significant harm to large segments of our people, especially those with limited income.” This statement underscores the socio-economic implications that accompany the religious observance during a time of hardship.

Compounding this issue, reports indicate that rainfall this year is 53 percent lower than the average recorded over the past three decades. This deficiency has led to insufficient pastures for livestock, contributing to decreased meat production, inflation in local markets, and increased imports of live animals and meat products.

To mitigate the crisis, Morocco has signed agreements to import up to 100,000 sheep from Australia, aiming to bolster the local supply. Furthermore, the 2025 budget reflects the government’s response to these challenges by suspending import duties and value-added taxes on livestock, thereby striving to stabilize market prices for consumers.

In conclusion, King Mohammed VI’s appeal for Moroccans to abstain from sheep slaughter during Eid Al-Adha this year reflects serious concerns regarding livestock shortages resulting from significant droughts. The nation faces economic challenges that complicate the observance of this important religious rite. Through initiatives like importing sheep and adjusting tax policies, Morocco aims to navigate these hardships while ensuring the welfare of its citizens during this festive period.

Original Source: www.arabnews.com