Morocco’s King Urges Citizens to Refrain from Eid Al-Adha Sheep Sacrifice
King Mohammed VI of Morocco has requested citizens to refrain from slaughtering sheep during Eid Al-Adha due to a significant decline in livestock resulting from drought. This year’s rainfall is 53 percent below average, exacerbating the livestock crisis and leading to increased meat prices. To stabilize the situation, Morocco intends to import sheep from Australia and has suspended certain taxes on livestock.
In an unprecedented measure, King Mohammed VI of Morocco has urged citizens to refrain from sacrificing sheep during Eid Al-Adha this year, a traditional ritual due to occur in June. This directive stems from a significant reduction in livestock numbers resulting from prolonged drought conditions.
Eid Al-Adha commemorates the willingness of Ibrahim, or Abraham, to sacrifice his son in obedience to God, wherein Muslims typically slaughter sheep or goats to share the meat among family and the needy. However, official reports indicate that Morocco’s cattle and sheep herds have dwindled by 38 percent since the last census nine years ago, directly influenced by repeated drought episodes.
In a letter relayed by Religious Affairs Minister Ahmed Taoufiq on state television, the King emphasized the necessity of considering the climatic and economic challenges that have severely impacted livestock populations. He stated, “Our commitment to enabling you to fulfill this religious rite under the best conditions is accompanied by the duty to consider the climatic and economic challenges facing our country.”
The monarch further cautioned that carrying out the ritual this year could adversely affect many individuals, particularly those with limited income, stating, “Performing the rite under these difficult circumstances will cause significant harm to large segments of our people.”
This year, rainfall levels have plummeted to 53 percent below the 30-year average, thereby limiting available pasture for livestock. Consequently, meat production has decreased, contributing to rising prices and necessitating increased imports of livestock and red meat. To mitigate this situation, Morocco has recently arranged to import up to 100,000 sheep from Australia and has implemented a suspension of import duties and value-added taxes on livestock and meat to maintain price stability in the domestic market.
In summary, King Mohammed VI’s request for Moroccans to abstain from sheep slaughter during Eid Al-Adha highlights the acute challenges posed by drought conditions impacting livestock populations. The King’s emphasis on the economic and humanitarian consequences of this decision reflects a need for sensitivity towards citizens’ livelihoods and well-being. Morocco’s actions, including livestock imports and tax suspensions, signify steps toward addressing the urgent economic concerns stemming from this crisis.
Original Source: www.arabnews.com
