Call to mind when We assigned to Abraham the site of the House (Ka’bah), directing him: “Do not associate aught with Me” and “Keep My House pure for those who walk around it, and for those who stand and who bow down and who prostrate themselves (in worship) and publicly proclaim Pilgrimage for all mankind so that they come to you on foot and mounted on lean camels from every distant point to witness the benefits in store for them, and pronounce the name of Allah during the appointed days over the cattle that He has provided them. So eat of it and feed the distressed and the needy….”
(Al Qur’ān – 22: 26-28)
This command was addressed to Prophet Abraham when he had built the Ka’bah. It implies that the House of Allah had been built for the worship of One Allah and all worshippers were expected to visit it for performing Hajj. The expression “lean camels” has been used especially to depict the picture of the camels of pilgrims coming from far-off places to perform Hajj.
“…they should mention the name of Allah over the cattle” implies that they should slaughter the cattle in Allah’s name. Allah’s name should be recited at the time the cattle are slaughtered to show that the Muslims slaughter and sacrifice animals in Allah’s name alone so as to distinguish them from the disbelievers who slaughtered animals without mentioning Allah’s name or by mentioning other names than that of Allah. As regards eating meat and giving it to the needy, both are permitted.