Eid al-Adha for this year has just been canceled in Morocco. This was announced in a letter by King Mohammed VI, the Commander of the Faithful, read Wednesday evening by Morocco's Islamic Affairs Minister in a TV broadcast. «We invite our beloved people to refrain from making the sacrifice this year», reads the King's letter. «Instead, we will carry out the sacrifice on behalf of the nation, following the example of our Prophet Mohamed, who, when sacrificing, said, 'This is for myself, and this is for my nation,'» the Sovereign reassured. The decision is due to the «economic and climate challenges», the King emphasized, adding that these challenges have led to a significant decline in livestock numbers. «It is our duty to prepare for the challenges our country faces, especially in the current economic climate, which has affected many people», he added. «The sacrifice of Eid al-Adha is a confirmed Sunnah, but we recognize the difficulties it poses, especially for those with limited income», the letter acknowledged. ? عاجل أمير المؤمنين يهيب بشعبه الوفي عدم القيام بشعيرة أضحية العيد لهذه السنة أمام التراجع الكبير في أعداد الماشية وتداعياته السوسيو-اقتصادية #المغرب #عيد_الأضحى pic.twitter.com/VnVeuJGHxr — 2M.ma (@2MInteractive) February 26, 2025 In his letter, King Mohammed invited Moroccans to celebrate Eid al-Adha in its usual manner, focusing on its spiritual significance, performing the Eid prayers in mosques, contributing to charity, and strengthening bonds of mercy and gratitude for Allah's blessings. Indeed, Morocco has suffered in recent years from drought and less rainy winters, which have affected its livestock. Morocco has even resorted to importing sheep from abroad. This is not the first time a Moroccan king cancels Eid al-Adha due to economic challenges. Back in 1963, 1981, and 1996, King Hassan II ordered Moroccans to refrain from observing the sacrifice due to economic and climate challenges.
