MAKKAH: The General Presidency for the Affairs of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque is set to begin the annual ceremony of changing the Kiswa of the Holy Kaaba, marking the start of the Islamic year 1447 AH.
The new Kiswa was produced at the King Abdulaziz Complex in Umm Al-Joud, following an 11-month process, the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported on Tuesday.
Its production involved seven detailed stages: water desalination, washing, weaving, printing, embroidery, assembly, and final inspection.
These stages included preparing special water with precise standards for washing; dyeing raw silk in the distinctive black color; weaving both patterned and plain fabrics for the Kiswa and its lining; printing Qur’anic verses with geometric precision on the fabric; assembling and sewing the parts; fixing the gilded elements; and embroidering the verses with high-quality silver and gold threads.
The process concluded with a final inspection to ensure the highest quality standards were met, highlighting the exceptional craftsmanship and dedication involved in producing the unique Kiswa.
The new covering is transported from the King Abdulaziz Complex to the Grand Mosque in a dedicated trailer. The removal of the gilded sections from the old Kiswa is scheduled to take place after Asr prayer on Wednesday, Dhu Al-Hijjah 29, 1446 AH.
The official ceremony for replacing the Kiswa will begin early Thursday morning, marking the first day of Muharram, 1447 AH, inside the Grand Mosque.
The new Kiswa consists of 47 pieces of embroidered black silk, bearing 68 Qur’anic verses in silver threads plated with 24-karat gold. The total weight of the Kiswa is approximately 1.4 tons.
The Kiswa of the Holy Kaaba embodies the Kingdom’s utmost care for the Two Holy Mosques and its commitment to renewing this sacred covering in a manner that reflects its spiritual significance and sanctity in the hearts of Muslims around the world.
