Morocco’s Eid Sacrifice debate: Sheikh Benhamza calls for balance between faith and public welfare

Sheikh Mustapha Benhamza, a member of Morocco’s Supreme Council of Ulema, has urged a thoughtful and informed approach to discussions surrounding the regulation of Eid al-Adha’s sacrificial ritual. His remarks come in the wake of Morocco’s decision to cancel this year’s Eid sacrifice due to economic hardships, persistent drought, and diminishing livestock resources.

Benhamza dismissed criticism from outside voices opposing Morocco's decision, arguing that such opinions often lack a nuanced understanding of the country’s realities. He emphasized that religious rulings must be sensitive to local conditions rather than being shaped by those unfamiliar with the context.

Local context in religious rulings

During a speech at Al-Islah Mosque on Saturday, March 1, Sheikh Benhamza highlighted the importance of aligning fatwas with the societal, economic, and environmental circumstances in which they are issued. He criticized the tendency to apply rulings from entirely different contexts, calling it illogical and potentially harmful.

“A fatwa is not a universal decree but an interpretation shaped by time, place, and societal conditions,” he explained. Early Islamic scholars, he noted, recognized the necessity of balancing religious principles with the well-being of society. They assessed prevailing conditions to ensure religious guidance remained practical and relevant.

Benhamza warned against hasty interpretations of Islamic texts that fail to account for the complexities of modern society. “A scholar does not simply recite legal texts but examines people’s lives and offers guidance accordingly. Otherwise, religious rulings create confusion rather than clarity,” he said.

State’s role in religious matters

Sheikh Benhamza pointed to historical examples where state authorities adjusted religious practices to safeguard public welfare. He cited instances when the Hajj pilgrimage was suspended during epidemics, emphasizing that such measures, far from violating Islamic law, were necessary to protect lives.

Addressing the significance of the Eid sacrifice, Benhamza acknowledged its deep religious and cultural importance but clarified that it is not one of Islam’s fundamental pillars. He stressed that policy decisions must ensure social stability while respecting religious values.

“Moroccans have honored this tradition for centuries, but religious obligations must be understood within the realities of each era,” he said.

Adapting religious practices to economic realities

Benhamza also recognized the financial strain many Moroccan families face, which could make the sacrifice unaffordable for a significant portion of the population. He argued that adapting religious practices to economic challenges does not weaken faith but makes it accessible to everyone.

“Islamic governance requires a broad view of society’s needs. Applying religious texts in isolation from reality does not serve the public good,” he said.

He pointed to examples from Islamic history where states managed resources to support societal stability, highlighting the flexibility of Islamic law to adapt when circumstances demand it.

The risks of unregulated fatwas

Sheikh Benhamza expressed concern over the proliferation of unregulated religious opinions on social media and television. He warned against individuals issuing fatwas without adequate scholarly grounding or awareness of current social and economic conditions.

“A fatwa requires deep knowledge of both religious texts and real-world challenges. Misinformation in religious matters can cause confusion and division,” he said.

He emphasized the importance of leaving major religious decisions to established scholarly councils, urging scholars to be both truthful and informed in their interpretations.

Balancing faith and public welfare

Benhamza underscored that Islamic law aims to uphold justice and prevent harm, not to apply religious texts rigidly without regard for their consequences. He argued that regulating the Eid sacrifice aligns with Islamic principles when based on sound reasoning and public welfare.

“If authorities determine that adjustments to the practice benefit society, this is not a rejection of faith but a necessary step to ensure fairness and stability,” he said.

A call for deeper understanding

In closing, Sheikh Benhamza called on Muslims to deepen their understanding of Islamic jurisprudence and trust scholars who possess both religious knowledge and practical wisdom. He urged that debates on the Eid sacrifice remain rooted in scholarly discourse rather than being driven by media sensationalism or political agendas.

“Religious rulings must be based on knowledge and concern for public welfare. Otherwise, they become a source of division rather than a means of guidance,” he concluded.