Morocco’s King Urges Citizens to Skip Eid Sacrifice Amid Severe Drought

Watan-King Mohammed VI of Morocco has called on his citizens not to slaughter Eid sacrifices this year due to a significant decline in livestock numbers caused by a severe drought that has affected the kingdom for the seventh consecutive year.

In a message read by Minister of Religious Affairs Ahmed Toufiq on state television on Wednesday evening, the king stated, “We urge our dear people not to perform the ritual of Eid sacrifice this year.” Eid al-Adha will take place in the first week of June.

He explained that the reason behind this decision is “the climate and economic challenges facing our country, which have led to a significant decline in livestock numbers.”

The king further stated that “considering that Eid sacrifice is a confirmed Sunnah (Islamic tradition) that depends on financial capability, performing it under these difficult circumstances would cause significant harm to large segments of our people, particularly those with limited income.”

A drought that has hit Morocco for the seventh consecutive year has led to a 38% decline in livestock numbers and a 53% rainfall deficit compared to the average of the past 30 years, according to Agriculture Minister Ahmed Bouari in mid-February.

This is the worst drought cycle Morocco has experienced since the early 1980s.

The lack of rainfall has resulted in a shortage of livestock feed, a decline in meat production, and rising prices in the local market, prompting an increase in livestock and red meat imports.

Recently, Morocco signed a deal to import up to 100,000 sheep from Australia. In the 2025 budget, the government suspended import duties and value-added tax on livestock, sheep, camels, and red meat to stabilize local market prices.

The late King Hassan II of Morocco had previously advised against slaughtering sacrifices in 1963, 1981, and 1996 for similar reasons.