Islam - Its Meaning for Modern Man — Page 204
204 middle of the town (2:159). This running between the two hillocks is in memory of the agony of Hagar, mother of Ishmael, running in search of water for her son and herself after Abraham had left them there. God revealed to Hagar the existence of a spring close to the place where Ishmael, who had grown very weak from thirst, was lying. This spring is still running, and every pilgrim drinks from it during the pilgrimage season. While particular days are prescribed for the performance of the pilgrimage, the umra, sometimes called the lesser pilgrimage, may be made at any time of the year. This consists of performing the circuit of the House and running between Safa and Marwah. The circuit of the House is not a mere physical ritual. A pilgrim while performing the circuit is occupied in glorification of God and celebrating His praise and offering various prayers. The same is true of the running between Safa and Marwah. The Quran points out that honouring that which has been declared sacred by Allah and revering the Signs of Allah promote righteousness of the heart (22:31,33). This is related more to emotion than to reason, but reason itself recognises the inspiring role of emotion. Indeed, it is emotions that fertilise the roots of action, particularly when the action requires sacrifice of things and objects held dear, for the sake of achieving a higher purpose. The love of wife or