Hard Times Force Modifications of Muslim Holiday Traditions

Muslims around the world are celebrating Eid al-Adha, or the Feast of Sacrifice, which takes place at the end of the Hajj, an annual Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca. In some places, the holiday this year is observed on Monday, in others on Tuesday. The holiday marks Ibrahim's (Abraham's) willingness to sacrifice his only son, Ishmael, to God, and God's gift of a ram as a substitute. Zlatica Hoke reports that hard times are forcing some Muslims to modify their traditions.