Drought: will Morocco cancel the Eid Al Adha sacrifice for this year?

Drought: will Morocco cancel the Eid Al Adha sacrifice for this year?
Drought: will Morocco cancel the Eid Al Adha sacrifice for this year?

No one can predict what the agricultural campaign will be like this year, and, consequently, the situation of the sheep herd, as the Eid Al Adha festival is fast approaching. Farmers, professionals and Moroccan citizens in general are asking questions, while hoping that beneficial rains will improve the situation.

In its edition of Monday January 6, the Arabic-speaking daily Al Ahdath underlines that the Moroccan economy, already weakened by the persistent drought of recent years, is suffering the repercussions, in particular with a slowdown in growth.

Certainly, the government has taken several measures to try to contain the harmful effects of the drought on prices, in particular those of red meats, the rise of which does not seem to be stopping. However, the importation of sheep did not have the desired effect in reducing prices.

This situation is exacerbated by the fact that, each year, more than 3 million heads of cattle are required for the Eid Al Adha sacrifice. In addition to drought, this demand has contributed to a significant reduction in the national herd.

The importation of livestock to meet this religious demand proved ineffective. The Minister of Budget, Fouzi Lekjaa, recalled that these imports did not benefit poor families or the stabilization or reduction of prices. On the contrary, speculation has made the situation worse.

It is becoming crucial today to identify adequate solutions to put an end to these social and economic impacts which are repeated every year.

The role of ulama is fundamental in raising citizen awareness. It is important to explain, for example, that the Prophet (PBUH) slaughtered two sheep: one for himself and his family, the other for the poor of his community. Furthermore, Caliph Omar had decided to abandon this rite. This sunnah can be a basis for reducing the economic impacts of a religious rite which is not an obligation.

The difficult climatic situation that Morocco is currently going through, the erosion of its livestock and the surge in prices, despite the futile efforts of the government, require the taking of urgent measures to safeguard national resources. In this context, it would be relevant to reiterate the decisions taken in 1981 and 1996 and to cancel the rite of sacrifice of Eid Al Adha for this year.

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