Join on WhatsApp
Join on Telegram
Rabat – The Halal Consumers Association (ACOHA) in Ceuta has called on its Muslim community to cancel the ritual sacrifice of cattle this year during Eid Al Adha.
ACOHA’s call follows Morocco’s decision to cancel the celebration due to livestock shortages and rising prices.
Morocco recently announced the cancellation of the sacrificial ritual because of severe livestock shortages and increasing costs, which has particularly affected the most vulnerable segments of society.
The association also noted that the Muslim community in the city has unanimously supported the decision to suspend animal sacrifices, viewing it as an act of solidarity during difficult circumstances.
It believes this decision should also apply to Ceuta, given the close ties between the Muslim community in the city and religious practices followed in Morocco.
In a statement, the association explained that cattle sacrifice is part of Eid Al Adha rituals but is not a mandatory religious obligation.
Community leaders report widespread support for the suspension among Ceuta’s Muslims, with many viewing it as an opportunity to emphasize the spiritual aspects of the holiday rather than the sacrificial ritual itself.
Religious authorities note that Ceuta’s Islamic institutions have historically aligned their religious observances with Morocco rather than Saudi Arabia, despite the latter’s influential position in the Islamic world.
Read also: Moroccans React to Eid Al Adha Cancellation: Relief or Loss of Tradition?
The association noted that Ceuta’s mosques and religious centers operate under guidance from Morocco’s Ministry of Islamic Affairs, making coordination on religious matters a natural extension of existing arrangements.
ACOHA ruled out adopting Saudi Arabia’s position on this matter, considering that the Muslim community in Ceuta is more influenced by Morocco due to geographical proximity and historical and cultural ties.
On February 26, Morocco’s King Mohammed VI urged citizens to skip the ritual sacrifice of cattle, saying that performing Eid Al Adha under these challenges “would cause real harm to many of our people, particularly those with limited resources.”
The North African country’s decision comes as a result of the ongoing drought crisis and subsequent challenges that have negatively impacted Morocco’s agricultural seasons and the country’s entire economy for the past six years.
