Rabat, 28 February (HS): The Ministry of Islamic Affairs of the North African country Morocco has announced that the prestigious Hasanian lecture (Doros el Hassaniya) will not be held on Ramadan this year. This decision was taken after the announcement of the Royal Palace. The announcement said that Morocco’s King Mohammed (VI) is recovering after shoulder surgery in December 2024. The king has appealed to the public not to sacrifice on Eid-ul-Adha or buy sheep for it due to economic difficulties, frequent droughts, financial difficulties and lack of livestock.
According to Morocco World News, the practice of Hasanian lecture on Ramadan was started by the late King Hassan (II). Sermons are given in it. It has been broadcast live throughout Morocco. The king’s decision to cancel the sacrifice on Eid-ul-Azha this year has sparked a heated debate in Morocco. The king’s order on the sacrifice was announced yesterday by Islamic Affairs Minister Ahmed Tawfiq. According to Minister Tawfiq, King Mohammed VI said that for most Moroccans, Eid ul-Adha is not a religious obligation. It is a symbol of unity and family celebration. It is also a symbol of the generosity of the people and the Moroccan spirit of community.
The king said, Families save for months to buy sheep. Even people with limited resources try to take part in this tradition in some way. Rising prices have made ‘Qurbani’ difficult. This has sparked debate on social media. Critics of the king’s decision argue that financial struggles should not interfere with religious obligations.
One Facebook user wrote, The World Cup matters but not Eid ul-Adha, what kind of priorities are these? Another commented, Qurbani is an offering to God. You cancel it, then expect rain and blessings? a user questioned, It’s not just about money. It’s about faith, about a centuries-old tradition. Who has the right to take this away from people?” Another wrote, ”If they really cared about people’s struggles, they would regulate prices, raise salaries and make daily life easier, not cancel Eid. It helps those who can’t afford it.”
One social media user wrote, ”This is the best decision. Last year many families were not able to offer sacrifice and it put them in a terrible situation. Another commented, ”People borrow money just to buy sheep. Then spend months paying it back. This year, at least they won’t feel pressured.” Some Moroccans believe that skipping the sacrifice this year is a practical option.
For some, the decree is heartbreaking. These people believe that financial difficulties should not hinder religious duty. Cancelling Eid ul-Adha is a disappointing omen.
Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar
