Why King Mohammed VI of Morocco Urges Moroccans to Abstain from Sheep Slaughter on Eid al-Adha This Year

Adam Peter
Feb 28
3 min read

Updated: Feb 28

Eid al-Adha: A Time for Reflection and Community Support Amid Drought

Eid al-Adha, the Festival of Sacrifice, is one of the most significant celebrations for Muslims worldwide. It’s a time for joy, reflection, and family, with the tradition of slaughtering sheep to honor Prophet Ibrahim’s obedience to God. But this year, King Mohammed VI of Morocco has made an unusual request for Moroccans to reconsider the practice. With the country facing severe drought and rising livestock prices, the King has called on citizens to show solidarity and skip the sacrifice this Eid.

King Mohammed VI’s Call for Solidarity

On February 27, 2025, King Mohammed VI, through a letter read by Minister of Islamic Affairs Ahmed Toufiq, asked Moroccans to hold off on slaughtering sheep for Eid. This is the first time in 29 years that such a request has been made. The King cited the ongoing six-year drought and the economic strain it’s causing as the main reasons behind the appeal. The monarch expressed concern that continuing the tradition would cause unnecessary hardship for many families, particularly those with limited income.

The Drought and Its Economic Toll

Morocco has been in the grip of a severe drought for several years, and the effects are being felt across the nation. Since 2016, the country has lost a third of its national cattle and sheep population. The price of livestock has risen sharply, making it harder for families to afford the traditional Eid sacrifice. This year, the King’s call is a reflection of the harsh economic realities many Moroccans face—where putting food on the table has become a daily challenge.

Since the pandemic, life has become much more expensive. Inflation has hit the country hard, pushing up prices on everyday goods in ways that were unimaginable just a few years ago. The cost of living has skyrocketed, and for many families, it’s become a struggle to make ends meet. Buying a sheep for Eid, once a cherished tradition, has become an overwhelming financial burden. In fact, a recent survey showed that 55% of families now struggle to cover the costs of buying a sheep and preparing for the holiday.

For many, the price of livestock is now more than an entire month’s salary. The rising costs, alongside inflation, have made it difficult for households to balance the essentials like food, healthcare, and education. And with the ongoing drought only adding to the strain, the King’s message is clear: this is a time for compassion, not financial strain.

A New Approach to Eid al-Adha

The King’s request isn’t just about skipping the sacrifice—it’s a call for compassion, empathy, and solidarity. In these tough times, it’s more important than ever for Moroccans to come together and prioritize the well-being of the community. Rather than focusing on individual sacrifices, the King is encouraging acts of charity and support for those in need.

Alternatives to the Traditional Sacrifice

In light of the King’s message, many Moroccans are looking for new ways to celebrate Eid while still staying true to its spirit:

Charitable Donations: Instead of buying a sheep, people can donate to local charities or feed the needy, ensuring that everyone gets a share of the blessings.
Community Feasts: Organizing meals within neighborhoods can bring people together and ensure that no one goes hungry during the festive season.
Supporting Local Agriculture: Participating in initiatives to conserve water or plant trees can help support Morocco’s agricultural community in the long run.

Reflecting on Tradition

While King Mohammed VI’s call may seem like a break from tradition, it’s an opportunity to rethink how we celebrate in the face of adversity. Morocco’s traditions are an essential part of its identity, but sometimes it’s necessary to adapt them to the realities of the present. By embracing compassion and solidarity, Moroccans can still honor Eid al-Adha while helping each other navigate these challenging times.

Eid al-Adha is a celebration of sacrifice, but this year, it’s also a celebration of community. By supporting one another, Moroccans can ensure that the true spirit of the holiday lives on, even in the most difficult of circumstances.