Holy Kaaba to receive new Kiswa on Muharram 1
MAKKAH: The Holy Kaaba is set to receive its new Kiswa (the black cloth covering) on the 1st of Muharram, marking the beginning of the Islamic year 1447 AH and the end of the Hajj season.
The process involves removing the old Kiswa on the Holy Kaaba and replacing it with a new one made up of four panels and a curtain for the Kaaba’s door. Each panel is lifted and carefully unfurled over the corresponding side of the Kaaba. Once in place, the old cloth is detached and removed.
On behalf of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman, the Deputy Emir of Makkah, Prince Saud bin Mishaal, recently handed over the new Kiswa to Abdul Malik bin Taha Al-Shaibi, the senior custodian of the Grand Mosque.
The Kiswa is crafted with great precision and devotion at a specialized facility. According to Ahmed bin Musaed Al-Suwyhiri, Director General of Public Relations and Media at the Kiswa Complex, the cloth takes about 10 months to produce and costs nearly 25 million Saudi Riyals. The entire cost is covered by the Saudi government.
The Kiswa is made from about 1,000 kilograms of raw silk imported from Germany and Italy, dyed black at the complex. It also includes 120 kilograms of gold-plated wire and 100 kilograms of silver-plated wire. After the new Kiswa is installed, the old one is cut into pieces and distributed among visiting dignitaries and Islamic institutions.
Saudi Arabia’s dedication to producing the Kiswa dates back to 1927 when King Abdulaziz established the first workshop for its preparation. In 1977, a modern factory was opened and later renamed the King Abdulaziz Complex under the leadership of King Salman. The complex now operates under the General Presidency for the Affairs of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque.