Moroccan Monarch’s Decision to Ban Eid Sacrifice: A Blow to Religious Traditions as Mohammed VI Cites Economic and Climatic Challenges Despite Alternative Solutions

BY: Dr. Hana Saada

Algiers, Algeria | February 27th, 2025 — In a move that has ignited fierce backlash across Morocco and beyond, King Mohammed VI has issued a directive urging Moroccans to forgo the sacred practice of animal sacrifice for Eid al-Adha this year, citing prolonged drought and economic hardship. The controversial decision, announced on Wednesday in a televised message delivered by Minister of Religious Affairs Ahmed Toufiq, has been met with widespread condemnation, with critics decrying it as an unjustifiable assault on a fundamental Islamic rite.

 

The king’s directive claims that the country’s ongoing drought—now in its seventh consecutive year—has drastically reduced livestock numbers, making it economically unsustainable for many Moroccans to partake in the sacrifice. “Taking into account that Eid al-Adha is a confirmed Sunnah contingent upon financial capability, performing it under these difficult circumstances would impose severe hardship on large segments of our people, particularly those with limited incomes,” the royal statement declared.

However, this reasoning has been swiftly dismissed by religious scholars, economists, and citizens alike, who argue that Morocco’s financial and political elite continue to indulge in extravagant expenditures while ordinary Moroccans are being deprived of their religious obligations. “How is it that the state can afford billion-dollar arms deals, satellite purchases, and lavish royal events, yet cannot facilitate the importation of livestock to ensure its citizens can observe one of Islam’s greatest rites?” wrote a Moroccan social media activist.

Hypocrisy and Misplaced Priorities

 

Critics highlight the hypocrisy of a government that finds no difficulty in allocating massive funds to military acquisitions—such as its recent $1 billion deal for a Zionist spy satellite—yet refuses to take necessary measures to secure livestock imports for Eid. The outrage is further fueled by the fact that Morocco has already initiated the process of importing 100,000 sheep from Australia, a move that could have been expanded to accommodate domestic demand rather than outright banning the sacrifice.

Many argue that the king’s move is an overreach, stripping individuals of the right to decide for themselves whether they can afford the ritual. “The sacrifice is not an obligation on those who cannot afford it; Islam already provides flexibility,” remarked a prominent scholar. “This sweeping ban is an authoritarian intervention in a deeply personal and religious matter.”

A Dangerous Precedent

 

This is not the first time the Moroccan monarchy has interfered with the religious customs of its people. Similar bans on the Eid sacrifice were imposed under the late King Hassan II in 1963, 1981, and 1996—all during periods of economic distress. However, many argue that the present situation is vastly different, as alternative solutions, including livestock imports and government subsidies, could have been explored without resorting to a full prohibition.

Religious and political commentators warn that such actions set a dangerous precedent, where economic challenges are used as a pretext to erode religious traditions. Many fear that this decision is part of a broader effort to secularize Moroccan society under the guise of financial prudence.

Economic Fallout and Backlash

 

Beyond the religious implications, the decision is set to deal a devastating blow to Morocco’s already struggling livestock industry. Many sheep farmers have expressed outrage, warning that the ban could push them further into financial ruin. “We have endured years of drought, skyrocketing feed costs, and now this? This will be the final nail in the coffin for small-scale herders,” lamented a livestock trader.

Despite the king’s insistence that the essence of Eid will be preserved through other customs—such as prayers, charity, and family gatherings—this reasoning has done little to quell the growing wave of dissent. Social media has exploded with criticism, with trending hashtags condemning the decision and calling for alternatives to be explored.

At its core, the Moroccan regime’s decision reflects a troubling disconnect between the ruling elite and the everyday struggles of the people. Instead of empowering its citizens to uphold their faith, the monarchy has taken an authoritarian shortcut, opting for prohibition rather than facilitation.

For many Moroccans, this is more than just a religious matter—it is a stark reminder of a leadership that prioritizes optics and convenience over the genuine needs and rights of its people. And as the king moves to “sacrifice on behalf of his nation,” the question remains: Will Moroccans accept this symbolic gesture, or will they see it for what it truly is—an unjustified infringement on their religious freedoms?

 

 

 

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