Moroccan King urges public to skip Eid sacrifices amid national crisis

Rabat: Ahead of Eid al-Adha, King Mohammed VI of Morocco has appealed to the public not to perform animal sacrifices this year due to the country’s ongoing economic, climate, and agricultural crises.

In a statement delivered by Minister of Islamic Affairs Ahmed Toufiq, the king warned of a severe decline in livestock caused by drought and inflation, adding that livestock breeding is under threat, and many citizens—especially salaried workers—cannot afford the financial burden.

The king emphasised that while animal sacrifice is a confirmed Sunnah, Islam allows flexibility in difficult circumstances. To set an example, he will sacrifice only two sheep this year as a symbolic gesture.

Following the royal appeal, livestock markets across the country saw animals disappear, with viral videos reportedly showing officials confiscating sheep from homes, triggering public outcry on social media.