[248] The two small mounts in the Sanctified Mosque, between which people circulate when they perform saʿy Hajj or ʿumrah.
[249] Shaʿā’ir (lit. symbols) is the plural of Shaʿīrah, which denotes everything that God made as a Sign for His worship (cf. al-Sijistānī, Gharīb al-Qur’an, Ibn Fāris, Maqāyīs al-Lughah, al-Iṣfahānī, al-Mufradāt). These two symbols are further emblematic of the relation of Islam to the creed of Abraham (عليه السلام). They are mentioned in the narration of the building of the Kaʿbah. Further, they are mentioned here just after hardship and trial have been talked of as a reminder of the test of Hagar’s faith between these two mounts (cf. al-Rāzī).
[250] ʿUmrah (lesser pilgrimage).
[251] According to ʿĀ’ishah (i), the Anṣār Companions of the Prophet (ﷺ) had qualms before the revelation of this aya about circulating between the two mounts (al-Bukhārī: 4495; Muslim: 1277). Further, the aya was revealed before the Muslims had gained control over Makkah and while pagans freely performed their rites in the Sanctuary.