A new cover, known as the ‘Kiswa,’ was installed at the Kaaba by the General Authority for the Care of the Affairs of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque on Sunday. The elaborate and highly symbolic process took place at the Masjid al-Haram in Makkah, where a team of 159 skilled craftsmen from the King Abdulaziz Complex for Holy Kaaba Kiswa meticulously carried out the replacement.
The Kiswa, weighing 1,350 kilograms and standing at a height of 14 meters, is composed of four separate panels and a door curtain. This sacred covering is an essential part of the Kaaba, changed annually on the ninth day of Dhu al-Hijjah, the day of Arafat, during the Hajj pilgrimage. The team was strategically distributed around the sides and roof of the Kaaba according to their specializations, ensuring that each step of the process was executed with precision and reverence.
The replacement process began with the careful dismantling of the old Kiswa. Each side of the new Kiswa was individually raised to the top of the Kaaba in preparation for unfolding it over the old covering. The team secured the side at the top by tying it, and then lowered it as the ropes of the old Kiswa were untied. This method ensured a seamless transition, with the new Kiswa gradually replacing the old covering in a continuous, coordinated motion. This meticulous process was repeated for each of the four sides until the entire Kiswa was in place.
Once the new Kiswa was installed, attention turned to the belt, an integral and ornate part of the cover. The belt was aligned straight along all four sides of the Kaaba and sewn into place. Securing the corners required detailed handwork, with the craftsmen sewing from the top of the Kiswa to the bottom to ensure a tight, smooth fit.
The final step involved installing the curtain over the door of the Kaaba. This task demanded significant time and precision, as the black fabric of the Kiswa needed to be cut to the exact dimensions of the curtain, which measures approximately 3.33 meters wide and 6.35 meters long. Three openings were made in the black fabric to attach the curtain from underneath, and the edges were meticulously sewn into the Kiswa, completing the installation.
The creation of the Kiswa is a process steeped in tradition and craftsmanship. The fabric consumes approximately 1,000 kilograms of raw silk, dyed black within the King Abdulaziz Complex. Additionally, it incorporates 120 kilograms of gold threads and 100 kilograms of silver threads, which are used to embroider the intricate patterns and Quranic verses that adorn the Kiswa. The belt alone consists of 16 pieces, with seven additional pieces positioned below the belt.
The installation of the Kiswa is not only a technical achievement but also a deeply spiritual and symbolic act, reflecting the dedication and reverence with which the holy site is maintained. The craftsmanship involved in creating and installing the Kiswa showcases the high level of skill and devotion of the artisans from the King Abdulaziz Complex. Their work ensures that the Kaaba remains beautifully adorned and respectfully covered, honoring its significance in the Islamic faith.
This annual renewal of the Kiswa is a reminder of the rich traditions and meticulous care that surround the Kaaba, one of the most sacred sites in Islam. As pilgrims gather for Hajj, the new Kiswa stands as a testament to the ongoing dedication to preserving the sanctity and beauty of the Kaaba for generations to come.
