Makkah’s Kaaba Gets a New Kiswa for Islamic New Year
In the early hours of Sunday, a new Kiswa was elegantly installed at the holy Kaaba in Makkah to mark the first day of the Islamic new year (1 Muharram, 1446h). The task was carried out by the General Presidency for the Affairs of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque, as reported by the Saudi Press Agency.
Skilled Craftsmen and Elaborate Design
A team of 159 skilled craftsmen from the King Abdulaziz Complex for the Kiswa of the Kaaba meticulously installed the black cloth cover under the supervision of engineers and technicians specially trained for the task. The process involved removing the gold-embroidered pieces of the old Kiswa while the new one was transported to the Grand Mosque from the complex.
The new Kiswa contains 53 gold-embroidered pieces, including intricate designs for the belt area, corners, lanterns, door curtain, and more. The complex’s operational staff meticulously produces each piece by hand, taking between 60 and 120 days to complete one gold-embroidered piece.
Rich Materials and Complex Installation
A total of 120 kilograms of gold, 100 kilograms of silver, and 1,000 kilograms of silk are used in the production of the Kiswa. The elaborate covering weighs 1,350 kilograms, measures 14 meters high, and consists of four separate sides and a door curtain. The outside is adorned with inscriptions woven with black threads.
The installation process involves lifting the four sides separately to the top of the Kaaba, sewing the corners, placing the curtain, and securing the edges with precision. This intricate process requires the coordination of skilled technicians and craftsmen to complete in just a few hours.
Tradition and Change
In the past, the Kiswa replacement ceremony took place during the Hajj season, specifically on the morning of Dhul Hijjah 9. However, last year, a change was made based on a royal decision to hold the event on the eve of Muharram 1, the first day in the Hijri calendar. Sheikh Abdulrahman Al-Sudais, president of the Two Holy Mosques presidency, announced the shift in tradition.
The annual replacement of the Kiswa is a significant event that symbolizes the reverence and respect for the holy Kaaba in Makkah.