05.06.2025 10:12
The Moroccan government has decided to close livestock markets and temporarily suspend all commercial activities related to the sacrificial slaughter ahead of the Eid al-Adha. King Mohammed VI of Morocco gave the first signal regarding this decision in February, announcing that he would symbolically perform this ritual on behalf of the Moroccan people.
As part of the instructions sent to local governments by the Ministries of Agriculture and Interior, many livestock markets were closed before the Eid al-Adha, and all commercial activities related to the sacrificial slaughter were temporarily halted. Inspections aimed at preventing illegal sales were increased in some regions.
ANIMAL POPULATION DECREASED DUE TO DROUGHT
This decision was made due to the increasing drought in the country in recent years, the decrease in livestock, and rising costs. According to the Ministry of Agriculture, the drought that has lasted for the last 7 years in Morocco has led to a 38% decrease in livestock. The amount of rainfall remained 53% below the average of the last 30 years. This situation significantly affected the supply of sacrificial animals. On the other hand, the closure of livestock markets and the suspension of activities negatively impacted producers and traders, especially in rural areas.
KING MOHAMMED VI HAD SIGNALLED
In a statement made in February regarding Eid al-Adha, King Mohammed VI of Morocco emphasized that climate change-related drought and economic difficulties were influential in the country. King Mohammed pointed out that there have been serious decreases in livestock and stated that while sacrificial slaughter is a strong Sunnah in Islam, this act could become a heavy burden for low-income groups due to the current difficulties.
The King of Morocco, within the framework of his duties to facilitate religious responsibilities, called on the public to forgo the sacrificial slaughter this year, announcing that he would perform this act symbolically on behalf of the Moroccan people. In the country, the public was also asked to forgo sacrificial slaughter in 1963, 1981, and 1996.