In North Africa’s Islamic country Morocco, this year Eid-ul-Azha has been appealed not to sacrifice traditional sheep. King Mohammed VI has requested the countrymen that Morocco is struggling with drought for the seventh consecutive year, which has reduced the livestock population and has increased meat prices rapidly.
After this announcement made in Morocco, the discussion about it in the Islamic world has intensified. Every year, millions of sheep, goats and other animals are sacrificed on Eid-ul-Azha worldwide, but this time the position of Morocco is different.
Appeal to avoid sacrifice due to drought and economic crisis
On Wednesday, the message of Raja Mohammad VI was read by the Minister of Religious Affairs on National Television of Morocco. He said:
“Our country is facing climate and economic challenges. This has led to a drastic decline in the number of livestock. In such a situation, we request people to avoid the ritual of sacrifice on Eid-ul-Azha. ”
The king admitted that Eid-ul-Azha is an important religious festival, but it would be right to decide not to sacrifice the sheep and goats in view of the current circumstances.
Earlier in 1966, former King Hassan II of Morocco also appealed a similar appeal due to heavy drought.
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Eid-ul-Azha: Importance of sacrifice in Islam
Eid-ul-Azha is one of the two biggest festivals of Islam. It is also called Bakrid, Eid ul Juha, Bakra Eid or Eid-ul-Bakra. According to Islamic belief, this festival is celebrated in memory of the sacrifice of Hazrat Ibrahim.
This year Eid-ul-Azha will be celebrated on 6 June or 7 June.
On this day special prayers are performed and animals are sacrificed.
The sacrificed meat is divided into three parts – one part is donated to the poor, the other is given to the relatives and the third is kept for the family.
However, due to drought and economic crisis in Morocco, it is advisable not to follow this tradition this year.
Drought and inflation increased problems
The rains in Morocco have been getting very low for the last seven years, which has reduced the number of livestock. According to the Ministry of Agriculture of Morocco:
The number of livestock has declined by 38% in 12 months.
The average of the last 30 years has received 53% less rainfall.
Meat prices have increased significantly, causing difficulties to the common people.
The minimum wage of Morocco is around 290 euros per month (about Rs 26,000), so rising prices are having the most impact on the poor.
Religious structure and social status of Morocco
Morocco is an Islamic country where more than 99% of the population is Sunni Muslim. Other than this:
Shia is less than 0.1%.
Other religious groups such as Christians, Jews and Bahai are less than 1% of the total population.
Eid-ul-Azha is one of the most important festivals in Morocco, but due to rising inflation and drought, this year the government has appealed people to give up religious tradition.
