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.

With Morocco’s sheep herds dwindling at an alarming rate, King Mohammed VI made a rare break with tradition by urging families to forego 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 has asked Moroccans to abstain from performing the Muslim rite of slaughtering sheep during Eid al-Adha this year due to a sharp drop in the country's herd. The shortages are blamed on seven years of drought.

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.

This year’s Eid Al Adha will be the fourth time Morocco canceled the Islamic feast of sacrifice in the country’s history.

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,

Due to severe drought and livestock shortages, Morocco has asked citizens to refrain from slaughtering sheep during Eid al-Adha

Morocco officially canceled Eid Al Adha, the Islamic ritual sacrifice of cattle, due to challenges impacting Morocco's agriculture seasons

Eid al-Adha for this year has just been canceled in Morocco. This was announced in a letter by King Mohammed VI, the Commander of the Faithful, read Wednesday evening by Moroccos Islamic Affairs Minister in a TV broadcast.