Overall meaning : Mention to the people, Muhammad, the time when We showed Abraham the location of the House (the Ka’bah), prepared it for him and commanded him to build it, laying its foundation on piety and God-consciousness. We said, ‘Worship none besides Me and cleanse My House of all forms of unbelief and all types of physical and moral impurities for the sake of those who circumambulate it, and those who stand upright, bow and prostrate themselves in prayer.
‘Proclaim to all people, Abraham, the duty of pilgrimage. They will respond to your call on foot and on every kind of mount that becomes thin on account of the long arduous journey, arriving from every distant road, so that they may witness and avail themselves of religious and worldly benefits, extol the name of Allah on the appointed days (i.e. 10th, 11th, 12th and 13th of the month of Dhul-Hijjah) in gratitude for the grazing livestock (of camels, cattle, sheep and goats) He has provided for them and which they sacrifice in obedience to Him. So eat of them and feed the wretched poor.
‘The pilgrims should then complete the duties prescribed for them and leave the state of consecration by clipping their nails, having their heads shaven and purifying and tidying themselves up. They should also fulfil the vows which they may have made and circumambulate the Ancient House (the Ka’bah).’