In the first request in 29 years, he cited economic hardship and the climate crisis for dwindling herds and rising prices.

Morocco’s King Mohammed VI, the country’s “commander of the faithful,” called on citizens to forgo the traditional sheep sacrifice during Eid al-Adha in early June. The reason: a severe drought that has reduced livestock numbers and driven up prices.

With Morocco’s sheep herds dwindling at an alarming rate, King Mohammed VI made a rare break with tradition by urging families to forgo buying sheep to sacrifice during the upcoming Eid Al-Adha.

Moroccan King urges people against sacrificing sheep for Eid - King Mohammed VI made a rare break with tradition by urging families to forego buying sheep

King Mohammed VI of Morocco has asked the citizens to abstain from slaughtering sheep on Eid al-Adha this year.According to Reuters, the king on Wednesday, February 26, 2025, announced refraining from traditional slaughter of sheep on Eid

King Mohammed VI of Morocco urged citizens to forgo the traditional sheep slaughtering for Eid al-Adha due to a 38% decline in livestock following persistent drought. The King highlighted the economic challenges and emphasized the impact on the underprivileged,

The king of Morocco has called on people to refrain from sacrificing sheep during a religious festival later this year because of a drought that has decimated livestock populations and driven up the price of meat.

King Mohammed VI of Morocco asked Moroccans on Wednesday to abstain from performing the rite of slaughtering sheep on Eid al-Adha this year due to a drop in the country's herd following years of drought.

King Mohammed VI is asking Moroccans not to slaughter sheep during the Feast of Sacrifice in early June. The Moroccan king is doing so because the livestock population has already shrunk considerably due to the severe drought Morocco is facing.