Moroccan King Urges Suspension of Eid al-Adha Sheep Sacrifice Due to Severe Drought
King Mohammed VI cites economic hardships and a dramatic livestock decline in his unprecedented call to forgo the ritual for the first time since 1996.
- King Mohammed VI addressed the nation, urging Moroccans to abstain from the traditional sheep sacrifice during Eid al-Adha in early June 2025.
- The decision comes as Morocco faces its worst drought since the 1980s, with a 38% decline in livestock over the past year and a 53% rainfall deficit compared to historical averages.
- Rising costs of red meat, now priced at 11-12 euros per kilogram in Casablanca, have placed additional strain on households, particularly those with lower incomes.
- The king emphasized that the sacrifice, while significant in Islamic tradition, is a recommended practice (sunnah) rather than a mandatory religious pillar.
- This marks the first time since 1996 that a Moroccan monarch has made such a request, reflecting the severity of the current climate and economic challenges.
Courrier International 
Le Journal du Dimanche 
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