When animal sacrifice was banned in a country with 99 percent Muslim population, the whole world was worried.
Bakrid festival is being celebrated all over the world. The markets are set up. Preparations for sacrifice have been made at home. People who believe in Islam all over the world have been celebrating this festival in their own way. But, there is one country which banned sacrifice many times. This country is Morocco. Come, let us know why the ban on sacrifice was imposed, when the Muslim population here is said to be around 99 percent. When was the ban imposed?
Morocco is a Muslim majority country. About 99 percent of the population here believes in Islam. In such a country, stopping sacrifice on Eid ul Azha was a big deal. This became a topic of discussion all over the world. The ban on sacrifice in Morocco was not due to any religious opposition. This decision was taken under compulsion. The country was going through drought, inflation and livestock crisis. The government and the royal family said that sacrifice in such circumstances would greatly increase the social and economic burden.
When was the ban imposed?
The ban on sacrifice in Morocco was announced on 26 February 2025. This announcement was made on behalf of Morocco’s King Mohammed VI. The king’s message was read out by the country’s Islamic Affairs Minister on state TV. At that time it was clearly said that common people should not make sacrifices on Eid ul Azha in the year 2025. The king also said that he would symbolically make the sacrifice on behalf of the entire country. After this decision, sacrifices did not take place in the usual manner throughout Morocco on the Eid of June 2025.
The whole world was shocked by the announcement of ban on sacrifice in Morocco. Photo: Pexels
What was the biggest reason for the ban?
The biggest reason for this stop was the long drought. Morocco was facing less rainfall for many years. Drought weakened farming. Fodder became expensive. Water shortage increased. This had a direct impact on animal husbandry. According to reports, there has been a big decline in the number of sheep and cattle in the country since 2016. In many places it was said that the livestock decreased by about 38 percent. When the animals decreased, the prices increased very rapidly. Inflation also became a big reason. Drought was not the only problem in Morocco.
It was becoming difficult for ordinary families to manage their daily expenses. In such a situation, it became more difficult to buy sheep for sacrifice. The price of one sheep had reached $600. This amount was more than the monthly income of many poor and middle class families in Morocco. That is, the sacrifice was related to religious sentiments, but the financial burden had become very heavy.
MoroccanKing Mohammed VI also has the status of religious leadership. Photo: Pexels/wikipedia
What did King Mohammed VI say?
King Mohammed VI is not just the ruler of the country. He also has the status of religious leadership. Therefore his statement was considered very important. Raja said that making sacrifices in the current circumstances would be harmful for the weaker sections of the society. He appealed to the people to stay away from sacrifice this year. He also said that he himself will sacrifice on behalf of the entire public. This message was not just an administrative order. It was also seen as a form of religious and social relief.
Was this the first time?
That was not the first time. Such decisions have been taken in Morocco before. The sacrifice was also stopped several times during the rule of King Hassan II, father of King Mohammed VI. Such steps were also taken in the years 1963, 1981 and 1996. The reasons were different at that time. Sometimes there was an impact of war. Sometimes it was dry. There was an economic crisis somewhere. Therefore, the decision of 2025 was certainly new, but not at all unprecedented.
Morocco is a country with 99 percent Muslim population. Photo: Pexels
How was the ban implemented?
The government did not end the matter just on appeal. Several administrative steps were taken to implement the decision. Animal markets were closed in different parts of the country. Weekly cattle markets were stopped. Temporary sales centers were banned in many areas. Slaughterhouses were also closed at some places. The sale of instruments related to sacrifice was also monitored. The purpose of these steps was that the decision should not remain only on paper, but should also be implemented on the ground.
How was the public reaction?
There were mixed reactions to this decision in Morocco. Many people said it was correct. He said that poor families buy expensive sheep every year due to social pressure. In such a situation, they will get relief from the ban. On the other hand, some people were also sad. For them, the identity of Eid ul Azha is linked to sacrifice. They felt that an important religious tradition had stopped. There was debate on social media also. Some people supported. Some expressed displeasure. But overall, the state, religion and a large section of the society considered it a decision of extraordinary circumstances.
The Moroccan government took several steps to save livestock.
How was Eid celebrated in 2025?
Eid was celebrated despite the ban. Namaz took place. The family met. Met relatives. Emphasis was laid on charity and alms. People tried to keep the spirit of the festival alive. The king made a symbolic sacrifice. Its message was that the spirit of religion should remain intact, but there should not be economic pressure on the public. That means Eid was not over. Only a larger form of it had been limited.
What did the government do to deal with the crisis?
The Moroccan government took several steps to save livestock. Started relief schemes for cattle herders.Financial package given. Work was done on animal feed and breed improvement. Some taxes and import duties were also reduced. Preparations were also made to import sheep from abroad. Its purpose was to increase supply in the market. The government wanted that prices should remain somewhat controlled in the future and the national livestock should become strong again.
What is the situation today?
Now the most important question is this. This year the situation is not like 2025. This year, sacrifice on Eid ul Azha has returned to normal. That means the 2025 ban was not permanent. That was an extraordinary arrangement for one year. This year Moroccan families again returned to the traditional way of sacrifice. However, the government did not completely withdraw its hand. Surveillance of animal markets was increased in the year 2026. Rules were made to stop black marketing. Instructions were given to keep an eye on unauthorized sales, hoarding and artificial inflation. Its meaning is clear. The ban is no longer in effect, but the government still wants to control the market.
Is the crisis completely over?
It would not be correct to say that all the problems have ended. The effects of drought and inflation still cannot be considered completely eliminated. But a harsh situation like 2025 is not visible at present. This year, the government’s stance was to allow sacrifices, but to keep a strict vigil on the market.
This decision of Morocco gave a big message. Religious society can also take practical decisions in difficult economic circumstances. Sacrifice is an important part of the Islamic tradition, but it should not become a burden of compulsion and ostentation. Morocco demonstrated that the state can intervene when livestock, farmers and poor families are in crisis. This decision was not taken to destroy religious sentiments, but to provide relief to the society.
Also read: Neither Saudi, nor Pakistan, which country has the maximum sacrifice on Bakrid?
