Morocco has enacted a nationwide ban on animal sacrifices for Eid al-Adha 2025, implementing immediate closures of all livestock markets.
The unprecedented decision follows a royal directive from King Mohammed VI, who cited the country’s catastrophic drought and economic strain as primary reasons for halting the centuries-old tradition.
Provincial authorities are enforcing the shutdown of seasonal and public animal markets, with some regions extending restrictions to municipal slaughterhouses and sales of butchering tools.
The ban aims to protect Morocco’s critically depleted livestock populations after three consecutive years of extreme drought.
Official data reveals reservoir levels have plunged to 23% capacity, while cattle and sheep numbers have dropped by over 40% since 2022. Rural communities—already facing bankruptcy from skyrocketing animal feed costs—are prioritized in the conservation effort.
“Preserving remaining livestock is now a national security issue,” stated Agriculture Minister Mohammed Sadiki in a televised briefing.
Seasonal workers, butchers, and street vendors face devastating income losses, as Eid al-Adha typically generates 60-80% of their annual earnings.
Marrakech vendor Fatima Zahra lamented, “Our families survive on this season’s income—this year, we have nothing.” The ban also fundamentally alters the religious observance for Morocco’s 37 million Muslims, for whom communal sacrifice is central to Eid.
In a historic address, Minister of Islamic Affairs Ahmed Toufiq conveyed King Mohammed VI’s appeal: “While Qurbani remains Sunnah Mu’akkadah, our climate emergency permits its suspension.”
The palace will perform two symbolic sheep sacrifices—one for the monarch and one representing the nation—to preserve the ritual’s spiritual essence.
Religious scholars nationwide endorsed the ruling, citing Islamic jurisprudence allowing exemption during famine or economic collapse.
No financial relief package for affected workers has been announced, though the government confirmed redirection of $130 million in livestock subsidies toward emergency water projects.
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