Morocco Suspends Eid al-Adha Sacrifices Due to Economic Burden
Moroccan authorities have launched a nationwide campaign to shut down livestock markets and prevent the sale of sacrificial animals ahead of Eid al-Adha 2025.
The decision follows a royal directive from King Mohammed VI, aimed at preserving dwindling livestock populations and easing financial pressure on struggling families.
The directive, issued earlier this year, urges citizens to refrain from performing the traditional Eid sacrifice in light of severe drought and ongoing economic challenges that have drastically reduced livestock numbers. Governors and local officials across the country have been instructed to enforce the suspension.
As part of the enforcement measures, authorities have ordered the closure of public and seasonal livestock markets, particularly those that typically become active in the weeks leading up to Eid.
Reports indicate that weekly ram markets have been shut down in several provinces, while gatherings related to the sale or slaughter of sacrificial animals have been banned. In some areas, even municipal slaughterhouses and the sale of slaughter tools have been temporarily suspended.
The move has significant economic implications. Seasonal workers, street vendors, and small-scale traders—many of whom rely heavily on Eid sales for income—are expected to face financial hardship as a result of the suspension.
To preserve the spiritual essence of the holiday, King Mohammed VI announced that he would personally perform the Eid sacrifice on behalf of all Moroccans.
This symbolic gesture has been widely praised by citizens, with many drawing parallels to the tradition of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), who is reported to have sacrificed two rams—one for himself and another on behalf of those unable to do so.
As the nation adapts to an unprecedented Eid without the customary animal sacrifice, the focus shifts to resilience, shared sacrifice, and the long-term preservation of Morocco’s vital agricultural resources.
In a related development, neighbouring Algeria has ordered the importation of about one million rams ahead of Eid sacrifices this year.
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