Morans in Morocco

The Big Eid - called 3id l-kbir in Moroccan Berber areas - is the most important Islamic holiday of the year. It is celebrated by Muslims in commemoration of the occasion where Abraham heeded the command of Allah to sacrifice his son, Ishmael. It is believed that, just as he was about to slay Ishmael, Allah called out to Abraham not to harm the boy. Abraham's willingness to sacrifice his son was proof enough of his obedience to Allah, and when Abraham looked up, he saw a ram caught by its horns in the thicket. He took the ram and sacrificed it as a burnt offering instead of his son. Muslims observe the holiday by likewise slaughtering an animal, usually a sheep, goat or cow.

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As I awoke on the morning of 3id l-kbir, I listened lazily as villagers gathered for congregational prayer. One of the selected gathering points in our village was beautiful Imi n'Ifri, and prayers rang down from the hillside even as a long procession of worshipers continued to make their way to the gathering place.

Immediately following the congregational prayers, families returned to their homes for breakfast and to prepare for the day's events. Although we were invited by our friends, the Limouni's, to participate in the family's ritual sacrifice, I declined the invitation. My husband Mal did assist in the procedings, however. I'll spare you all of the gruesome details, but know that little of the sacrificial animal goes to waste, and one-third or so of the meat is shared with the poor.

The "sheep shawl" is worn for friendship & good luck.

And then the feasting begins! Cubed lamb is spiced with onion, cumin, safron, ginger and other delectable spices, then skewered and barbecued as brochettes.