New Kiswa of Holy Kaaba Handed Over to Key Custodian, To Be Replaced on 1st Muharram
Islamabad: Acting on behalf of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz, Deputy Governor of the Makkah Region and Vice Chairman of the Central Hajj Committee Prince سعود بن مشعل بن عبدالعزیز handed over the new Kiswa of the Holy Kaaba to the key custodian on Friday.
Saudi Minister of Hajj and Umrah and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the General Authority for the Affairs of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque, Dr. Tawfiq Al-Rabiah, and Deputy Custodian of the Kaaba Abdulmalik bin Taha Al-Shaibi signed the official handover documents.
According to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA), the Kiswa will be replaced on the 1st of Muharram, marking the beginning of the new Islamic year.
For decades, the Kiswa was traditionally replaced every year on the morning of 9th Dhul-Hijjah after Hajj pilgrims departed for the plains of Arafat.
The Kiswa stands 14 meters high, while its belt measures 95 centimeters in width and 47 meters in length, consisting of 16 panels.
Approximately 1,000 kilograms of raw silk, 120 kilograms of gold threads, and 100 kilograms of silver threads were used in its production.
Quranic verses and Arabic calligraphy are intricately embroidered on black silk using gold and silver threads, reflecting the rich Islamic heritage and reverence associated with the Holy Kaaba for centuries.
The Kiswa is produced annually at the King Abdulaziz Complex for the Holy Kaaba Kiswa using advanced technology and the expertise of skilled Saudi craftsmen to ensure the highest quality standards.
