This year, Morocco’s cancellation of the traditional Eid al-Adha sacrifice has sparked widespread questions. King Mohammed VI made a bold decision to ban the practice, citing economic and environmental concerns.
Due to an ongoing economic crisis and livestock shortages, the Moroccan monarch deemed it wiser to skip this religious tradition in 2025. But what’s behind this move, and how will it affect citizens and the country’s economy?
A Decision Driven by Crisis
King Mohammed VI acted after assessing Morocco’s challenging economic situation. The country is grappling with a prolonged climate crisis, marked by severe droughts that have drastically reduced livestock numbers.
Moroccan authorities report an alarming decline in livestock due to these droughts, causing a sharp rise in the prices of animals used for Eid al-Adha sacrifices. With citizens’ purchasing power declining, many families could no longer afford to participate in the ritual.
Eid al-Adha’s Economic Impact
Eid al-Adha is traditionally a time of sharing and solidarity in Moroccan society, but it also involves significant expenses. The sacrifice of a sheep or goat commemorates Ibrahim’s (Abraham’s) willingness to obey God by sacrificing his son. This year, however, Morocco’s economic struggles made it unfeasible for many to uphold this custom.
To address this, King Mohammed VI announced he would perform a symbolic lamb sacrifice “on behalf of the nation,” allowing Moroccans to honor the tradition amid tough times. This move aims to prevent social tensions that could arise if some citizens were unable to participate.
A Historical Precedent
This isn’t the first time Morocco has paused this religious practice. King Hassan II, Mohammed VI’s predecessor, suspended Eid sacrifices multiple times in the 1960s, 1980s, and 1990s during exceptional circumstances like droughts or economic crises.
Today’s context mirrors those moments: a mix of climate challenges and economic pressures led to this temporary ban. Reactions among Moroccans are mixed—some support it for its social and economic benefits, while others question the validity of canceling a deeply rooted cultural and religious tradition.
This translation is clear, engaging, and optimized for Google search with natural phrasing and descriptive headings.
