Tunisian Mufti Rejects Rumors of Eid al-Adha Cancellation
Sheikh Hisham bin Mahmoud affirms that Eid sacrifices are a confirmed Sunnah and cannot be abolished despite rising livestock prices.
Watan-Tunisia’s Grand Mufti, Sheikh Hisham bin Mahmoud, has denied rumors about canceling Eid al-Adha this year to preserve the country’s livestock, emphasizing that a confirmed religious practice cannot be abolished.
In a fatwa published on the official Facebook page of the Dar al-Ifta, he responded to a question from the National Butchers’ Association regarding the possibility of canceling Eid al-Adha due to rising livestock prices and shortages. He stated:
“The sacrifice is one of the sacred rituals of Allah, as stated in the Quran: ‘And whoever honors the symbols of Allah – indeed, it is from the piety of hearts’ (Surah Al-Hajj 22:32).”
He added: “Offering a sacrifice to Allah is among the greatest acts of worship. It is a confirmed Sunnah that the Prophet (PBUH) consistently practiced, and it is performed by Muslims according to their means. The Prophet said: ‘Whoever has the means but does not offer a sacrifice, let him not come near our place of prayer.’” He noted that Imams Malik and Al-Shafi’i also considered it a confirmed Sunnah.
Debate Over Eid al-Adha Sacrifice Amid Economic Hardships
Last year, bin Mahmoud reaffirmed that Eid al-Adha is a sacred ritual and should be observed, but the sacrifice is only required for those who can afford it.
In recent years, calls to cancel Eid al-Adha have increased due to livestock shortages and soaring meat prices, amid Tunisia’s worsening economic and living conditions.
Two years ago, Islamic preacher Saif al-Din al-Kouki faced criticism after suggesting that President Kais Saied could offer a national sacrifice on behalf of all Tunisians as a solution to high prices and the inability of many citizens to afford livestock.
