Join on WhatsApp 
Join on Telegram Rabat – Eid-al-Adha is one of the most important Muslim holidays of the year. The feast marks the end of Hajj, the sacred pilgrimage to the holy city of Mecca.
The history of Eid-al-Adha can be traced back to the story of Abraham, where the prophet was instructed to build the foundations of Kaaba, the most sacred shrine in Mecca.
Muslims believe that even after undergoing many trials and tribulations on his way to Mecca, God instructed Abraham to sacrifice his son Ismail in a dream. But as he prepared to execute the divine order, Abraham was instructed by God to spare his son and sacrifice a lamb instead.
The event is meant to remind Muslims worldwide of the unique mercy and grace bestowed upon mankind by God.
However, Eid al-Adha has almost transcended its spiritual meaning for some Moroccans; social considerations have become more impactful and prevalent, taking precedence over the original, religious dimension of the festival.
A wide scope of factors are now contributing to Moroccan families’ observation of the religious holiday.
The median income for the average Moroccan household was recorded this year at MAD 5,609 ($631) for urban areas, while rural households earn MAD 4,237 ($477), giving a combined median monthly income of MAD 5,133 ($578), according to a recent High Commission for Planning report.
In contrast, the current average price of cattle is set at over 50 Dh/kg, according to industry professionals. The average price of a sheep during the festive season costs between MAD 3000 and 3200 ($334.54 and $356.84).
Despite the financial unattainability of the sacrifice for many Moroccans, demand for sacrificial cattle is still high.
Many households feel compelled to borrow money to afford the sacrifice, or resort to selling their belongings as the event approaches.
Such behaviors are rarely based on religious factors, but rather on social constructs and beliefs.
The Social Factor
To clarify this phenomenon, Morocco World News reached out to Ali Chaabani, a researcher in sociology.
According to Chaabani, Moroccans’ shifting focus may be attributed to a difference in perspectives between different socioeconomic classes.
“There is no general way Moroccans celebrate Eid al adha anymore, as our society has become more diverse with time,” notes Chaabani.
Ali Chaabani highlighted the importance of Eid al-Adha in gathering large families from across the country, and how the occasion revives the family spirit within many households.
In fact, some Moroccans are put under pressure because of the perceived need to provide for their nuclear families, and be regarded as a provider to their relatives.
On the other hand, the sociologist notes the existence of another more pragmatic perspective: some Moroccan families prioritize basic expenses, such as education and vacations. This is especially resonant this year, as Eid al-Adha coincides with the summer season, and a pending return to school in September.
There is a divergence in mentalities among Moroccans because of their diverse cultural influences. Moroccan households observe Eid al-Adha in a variety of ways according to their societal segments, thus creating multiple observations of the holiday across the country.
Guidelines of the Faith
There have been divergent views from scholars about whether it is necessary for an animal to be sacrificed on Eid al-Adha.
At the origin of this discrepancy is the nuanced reading of religious texts by theologians. But another explanatory factor could be the various social constructs and norms entrenched in various muslims communities across the world.
For Imam Abu Hanifa, the sacrificial animal is an obligation for Muslims who are able to afford it. According to the Maliki tradition, sacrificing an animal (in general alamb) is highly recommended in the Sunnah (Islamic tradition).
Moroccan religious scientific councils regularly reject the idea that the acquisition of a sacrificial lamb is mandatory for those who cannot afford it, aligning with the teachings of the Maliki school.
The sacrificial act is not mandatory, but is categorized as Sunnah (recommended habit or practice), which is not a pillar of the faith.
Brahim Sguenfle, Chairman of the Scientific Council in Skhirat, told Morocco World News that the purpose of Eid al-Adha is purely religious and in line with all Muslim texts. “It’s a recognized Sunnah, but is not mandatory to those who cannot afford it,” he argued.
Going to extreme lengths measures for social reasons is vain and not exactly compatible with what Islam preaches. Nor is it, for that matter, compatible with the very meaning and wisdom behind Eid al-Adha.
Sguenfle added that, as Moroccans prepare to celebrate the holiday, heads of families are usually under pressure from their wives and children to purchase a sacrificial animal for the event – despite their dire financial situation.
In case one feels compelled to resort to loans, “usury must be avoided,” says Sguenfle. Education, he added, plays a significant role avoiding such conflicts, “as is islam is a religion of ease, not hardship.”
Because Eid al-Adha is primarily an opportunity to give alms to the poor and practice charity, Sguenfle concluded, Moroccans would do well to remember that one should be confident in God’s mercy and omnipotence.
