Morocco Cancels Eid al-Adha Sacrifice Amid Drought and Livestock Shortages

In a message addressed to the nation, read by the Minister of Habous and Islamic Affairs, Ahmed Toufiq, on the Al Oula channel on February 26, King Mohammed VI, Commander of the Faithful, urged Moroccans not to perform the ritual of the Eid al-Adha sacrifice this year, due to the difficult situation the country is going through, the unrelenting drought and the reduction of the livestock. This decision, although motivated by exceptional circumstances, is criticized by outside observers. Criticisms rejected by the Moroccan sheikh, Mustapha Benhamza, in a speech delivered at the Al-Islah mosque on Saturday, March 1. According to him, they do not understand the realities of the country.

Benhamza insisted that religious decisions must take into account local conditions and not be influenced by those who do not know the context. He criticized the tendency to apply fatwas from different contexts without taking into account local circumstances. A "fatwa is not a universal decree, but an interpretation shaped by time, place and social conditions," he recalled, describing as illogical the importation of religious decisions from abroad without understanding the realities that have shaped them. "Muslim scholars have long recognized the need to balance religious principles with the well-being of society," he noted.

According to the Muslim dignitary, a scholar does not just recite legal texts, but examines people’s lives and offers advice accordingly. "Otherwise, religious decisions create confusion rather than clarity," he explained. He added: "Islamic governance requires a comprehensive vision of the needs of society. Applying religious texts without regard to reality does not serve the public good." To support his words, he recalled that the pilgrimage to Mecca had to be suspended due to epidemics. "This decision was not a violation of Islamic law, but a necessary measure to protect lives," he said. And he continued: "Islamic law is not rigid; it leaves room for adaptation when circumstances require it."