Morocco’s King Mohammed VI has asked his citizens to forgo the traditional sacrifice of Eid Al Adha. The decision, made for the first time in nearly twenty-nine years, has sparked mixed reactions among Moroccans, who continue to suffer a lengthy drought that has had devastating impacts on the country’s livestock and resulted in a drastic rise in meat prices.

Eid Al Adha is an important religious celebration in the Muslim world. It is also known as a time of unity and expression of generosity between family members and the Muslim community as a whole. This ritual is deeply rooted in the Moroccan identity, making the King’s call to refrain from the practice a surprising break from tradition. In a televised speech read on Wednesday, Feb. 26, by the Minister of Religious Affairs, King Mohammed VI urged his citizens to avoid performing the sacrificial rite this year, stating: “Our country is facing climatic and economic challenges that have resulted in a substantial decline in livestock.”

This decision is due to the country experiencing its seventh consecutive year of drought. Over the past year, Morocco has recorded a 38% decline in sheep and goat livestock, forcing the government to import from other countries and consequently leading to a sharp rise in prices. This has placed additional financial strain on Moroccan families, whose monthly minimum wage is 3,000 Moroccan dirhams, or 300 EUR.

Many citizens considered last year’s Eid market to be disastrous, as the government imported sheep from Spain and Romania for 90 euros per sheep and resold them by middlemen at nearly ten times their original price, in some cases reaching 1,500 euros per sheep. A survey conducted by the Moroccan Center for Citizenship last year showed that 55% of families struggled to afford a sheep last year, with some taking out loans.

The Moroccan population is currently divided over this decision. Many see this year’s cancellation of the sacrifice as a necessary measure to ease the burden on struggling families, while others believe financial matters should not interfere with religious obligations. The Moroccan public has taken over social media to voice their concerns and argue in favor of this decision while sending a strong message to livestock traders who have been accused of exploiting the large portion of the population experiencing poverty. Others have expressed frustration, accusing the government of prioritizing unnecessary expenditures such as the World Cup 2030 and Mawazine Music Festival over religious traditions.

While this decision has divided the citizens, it has significantly affected farmers’ prospects. They have invested heavily in feeding and raising their sheep in anticipation of this year’s sales.

Historically, similar decisions have been made for similar reasons. King Hassan II issued similar orders three times during his reign: in 1963, during the Sand War between Morocco and Algeria as a result of the economic hardships both countries underwent; and in 1981 and 1996 due to severe drought. Each of these decisions was also met with mixed public reception, mirroring today's debate.

The decision to forgo Eid Al Adha’s sacrifice demonstrates Morocco’s challenges with food and water security amidst its journey toward modernization and economic growth. Whether this decision is an act of relief or a sacrifice of tradition, it is, without a doubt, a moment to remember in Morocco’s contemporary history.