King Mohammed VI Calls for Refraining from Eid Al Adha Sacrifice…

King Mohammed VI of Morocco has urged citizens to skip the traditional sheep sacrifice for Eid Al Adha due to a drastic decline in livestock from ongoing droughts. The country has experienced a 38 percent reduction in its herd and a 53 percent decrease in rainfall over the last year, leading to increased meat prices and imports. The King’s appeal aims to alleviate economic pressures on low-income families.

His Majesty King Mohammed VI of Morocco has urged citizens to abstain from the traditional sheep sacrifice during Eid Al Adha this year, emphasizing the plight faced by the nation due to a substantial decline in livestock. The kingdom is grappling with a 38 percent reduction in its herd over the past year, attributed to severe drought conditions that have persisted for seven consecutive years. Official data from the agriculture ministry has indicated a 53 percent decrease in rainfall compared to the average over the past three decades, severely limiting pasture availability for livestock.

In a nationally televised address delivered by the Minister of Religious Affairs, King Mohammed VI acknowledged the significance of the Eid festival while stressing the need for citizens to reconsider their participation in the sacrificial rite under current conditions. He stated, “Our commitment to enabling you to fulfil this religious rite under the best conditions is accompanied by the duty to consider the climatic and economic challenges facing our country.” The King noted that undertaking the sacrifice during these challenging times could inflict severe hardship on many families, particularly those with limited financial resources.

The drought has led to a marked decline in Morocco’s meat production, resulting in increased prices on the local market and prompting the government to seek imports. In response to the situation, Morocco has entered a deal to import as many as 100,000 sheep from Australia to supplement its needs. Eid Al Adha commemorates the readiness of Ibrahim, or Abraham, to sacrifice his son as a demonstration of faith, and the decision made by the King reflects the realities imposed by environmental and economic challenges.

In summary, King Mohammed VI’s appeal to forgo the customary sheep sacrifice during Eid Al Adha underscores the severe challenges faced by Morocco’s agricultural sector amid continuing droughts and rising meat prices. The decision aligns with the country’s efforts to mitigate adverse impacts on low-income households during this religious observance. This situation highlights the importance of considering both faith and practical circumstances in times of crisis.

In conclusion, the call from King Mohammed VI for citizens to refrain from the Eid Al Adha sacrifice highlights the grave conditions resulting from prolonged droughts and significant livestock losses in Morocco. This initiative is not only a recognition of the cultural importance of the Eid festival but also an acknowledgment of the current economic burdens faced by many households. As Morocco navigates these challenges, prioritizing the well-being of its citizens remains paramount.

Original Source: www.thenationalnews.com