Makkah Deputy Governor Washes Holy Kaaba in Annual Ceremony
In a symbolic and sacred tradition, the washing ceremony of the Holy Kaaba took place on Sunday in Makkah. Deputy Gov. of Makkah Prince Saud bin Mishal bin Abdulaziz represented King Salman during the ceremony, as reported by the Saudi Press Agency.
Upon his arrival at the Grand Mosque, he was warmly welcomed by Dr. Tawfiq Al-Rabiah, minister of Hajj and Umrah, and Sheikh Dr. Abdulrahman Al-Sudais, president of religious affairs at the Grand Mosque and Prophet’s Mosque.
The deputy governor proceeded to wash the interior of the Holy Kaaba with a mixture of Zamzam water and rose water, followed by performing two rak’ahs of Tawaf.
Al-Sudais emphasized the significance of this annual ritual, stating that it is an Islamic tradition, a prophetic Sunnah, and a demonstration of Saudi leadership on the world stage.
He praised the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for its dedication to serving the Two Holy Mosques and their visitors, establishing the country as a leader in this noble duty.
Dr. Fawaz Al-Dahas, a history professor at Umm Al-Qura University, described the event as a great honor that showcases the Kingdom’s reverence for the holiest site on Earth.
During the ceremony, the outer covering of the Kaaba is removed, and the inner walls are cleaned using Zamzam water mixed with rose water and perfumes from Taif. The Kaaba is then covered again after the cleaning process.
Dr. Ayed Al-Zahrani, professor of Islamic history, explained that washing the Kaaba is a sacred tradition carried out annually in the month of Muharram. The event is attended by senior state officials and prominent Islamic figures from around the world.
The ceremony holds symbolic significance, representing moral and spiritual cleansing in preparation for the Umrah season, ensuring a clean and purified environment for pilgrims.