Melilla Muslims Heed Moroccan King’s Call to Forgo Eid Sheep Sacrifice

"In recent years, due to the economic and climatic crisis, the fulfillment of this ritual has become difficult for many families, mainly due to the high price of livestock," explains the Muslim community of Melilla chaired by Mohamed Ahmed Moh in a statement, specifying that the price of sheep has risen to 800 euros, "an amount that imposes a great economic effort for several families."

Melilia "is not immune to the crisis affecting the region, and the situation is exacerbated by inflation and the rise in the price of basic necessities," it says. The organization recalled that "the climatic and economic challenges have led to a substantial decrease in the number of livestock in Morocco, reducing the herd by 38%." The result: a mismatch between supply and demand, "making the price of sheep even more expensive."

In a message addressed to the nation read by the Minister of Endowments and Islamic Affairs, Ahmed Toufiq, on the Al Oula channel on February 26, King Mohammed VI urged Moroccans not to perform the ritual of sacrificing a sheep for Eid al-Adha this year, due to the difficult situation the country is going through, the unrelenting drought and the decrease in the livestock herd. In the eyes of the Muslim community of Melilla, the royal call is neither an imposition nor a prohibition, but rather "a counsel based on prudence and responsibility."

This royal call has been well received by the Muslim community of Melilla, which understands its rationale. "The majority of Muslim Melillians share the vision of the Commander of the Faithful and consider the measure to be wise," it noted after a wide-ranging survey within the community. According to the organization, the reflection initiated by the sovereign "responds to a realistic analysis of the current situation and offers an alternative that preserves both the economic stability of families and the spiritual value of Eid al-Adha," because "beyond the sacrifice of the sheep, the essence of this feast is faith, generosity and commitment to the community."