In a surprising move ahead of Eid al-Adha, King Mohammed VI of Morocco has called on his people to refrain from the customary ritual of slaughtering sheep this year. The monarch’s unprecedented plea comes in light of a significant decline in the country’s livestock numbers, primarily attributed to a prolonged period of drought spanning seven years.
Eid al-Adha, often referred to as the Festival of Sacrifice, holds immense significance in the Islamic calendar as it commemorates the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim to sacrifice his son in obedience to God’s command. Traditionally, Muslims mark the occasion by sacrificing animals such as sheep, with the meat distributed among family members and donated to the less fortunate. However, Morocco has seen a concerning 38% decrease in its herds over the past decade, a consequence of arid conditions that have plagued the nation’s pastures.
The impact of the dwindling livestock population is exacerbated by soaring meat prices, prompting the importation of 100,000 sheep from as far as Australia. Expressing his concerns, King Mohammed VI asserted that continuing the customary sacrifices in these challenging circumstances would disproportionately affect vulnerable segments of the population, particularly those with limited financial means. The monarch’s plea, conveyed through a speech delivered by the minister of religious affairs on national television, echoes a similar appeal made by his father, Hassan II, during a previous drought crisis in 1966.
The gravity of the situation was further illuminated by Morocco’s Minister of Agriculture, Ahmed Bouari, who highlighted the government’s prioritization of water allocation for essential sectors like transportation and industry, leaving agricultural areas grappling with severe water shortages. In response to the crisis, import taxes and value-added tax (VAT) on livestock and meat products have been waived to stabilize prices and alleviate the burden on consumers across the nation.
As Morocco navigates the challenges posed by a diminishing livestock supply and escalating meat prices, the decision to forego the traditional sacrificial practices of Eid al-Adha underscores the nation’s resilience and adaptability in the face of adversity. The king’s call for solidarity and collective sacrifice serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of resource conservation and responsible stewardship in safeguarding the well-being of all citizens.
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