[p.291] its many names,[FN#38] id al-Kurban is the best known, as expressive of Ibrahims sacrifice in lieu of Ismail. Most pilgrims, after casting stones at the Akabah, or Great Devil, hurry to Meccah. Some enter the Kaabah, whilst others content themselves with performing the Tawaf al-Ifazah, or circumambulation of impetuosity, round the house.[FN#39] The pilgrim should then return to Muna, sacrifice a sheep, and sleep there. Strictly speaking, this day concludes the pilgrimage.
The second set of trois jours, namely, the 11th,[FN#40] the 12th, and the 13th of Zul Hijjah, are called Ayyam al-Tashrik, or the days of drying flesh in the sun. The pilgrim should spend that time at Muna,[FN#41] and each day throw seven pebbles at each of the three pillars.[FN#42]
When throwing the stones, it is desirable that the pilgrim should cast them far from himself, although he is allowed to place them upon the pillar. The act also should be performed after the Zawal, or declension of the sun. The pilgrim should begin with the pillar near the Masjid al-Khayf, proceed to the Wusta, or central column, and end with the Akabah. If unable to cast the stones during the daytime, he is allowed to do it at night.
The throwing over:The pilgrim returns to Meccah, and when his journey is fixed, performs the Tawaf al-Widaa (of farewell). On this occasion it is a Sunnat to drink the waters of Zemzem, to enter the temple with more than usual
[p.292] respect and reverence, and bidding it adieu, to depart from the Holy City.
The Moslem is especially forbidden to take with him cakes made of the earth or dust of the Harim, and similar mementoes, as they savour of idolatry.
CHAPTER II.OF UMRAH, OR THE LITTLE PILGRIMAGE.
The word Umrah, denotes a pilgrimage performed at any time except the pilgrim season (the 8th, 9th, and 10th of Zul Hijjah).
The Arkan or pillars upon which the Umrah rite rests, are five in number, viz.:
1. Al-Ihram. 2. Al-Tawaf. 3. Al-Sai (between Safa and Marwah). 4. Al-Halk (tonsure), or Al-Taksir (cutting the hair). 5. Al-Tartib, or the due order of ceremonies, as above enumerated.[FN#43] The Wajibat, or requisites of Umrah, are but two in number: