MAKKAH, Saudi Arabia: Early Sunday, a new Kiswa was installed at the holy Kaaba in Makkah to mark the Islamic new year, 1 Muharram 1446h. This annual event was conducted by the General Presidency for the Affairs of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque, as reported by the Saudi Press Agency (SPA).
The intricate task of replacing the Kiswa was carried out by a specialized team from the King Abdulaziz Complex for the Kiswa of the Kaaba. This team comprised 159 skilled craftsmen, engineers, and technicians who are specially trained for this complex process. The operation began with the removal of the gold-embroidered pieces of the old Kiswa while the new one was brought to the Grand Mosque from the complex.
The new Kiswa is a lavishly designed black cloth adorned with gold embroidery. It includes 53 gold-embroidered pieces: 16 for the belt area, seven for under the belt, four corner pieces, 17 lanterns, five pieces for the door curtain, one for Al-Rukn Al-Yamani, and two for the Black Stone outline, along with the gutter. The creation of the Kiswa involves significant craftsmanship, with each gold-embroidered piece taking between 60 and 120 days to complete.
The materials used for the Kiswa are substantial, including 120 kilograms of gold, 100 kilograms of silver, and 1,000 kilograms of silk. The entire Kiswa weighs 1,350 kilograms and measures 14 meters high. It consists of four separate sides and a door curtain, all adorned with inscriptions woven with black threads.
Installing the Kiswa is a meticulous process. Each side of the Kiswa is lifted separately to the top of the Kaaba. Once the sides are in place, the corners are sewn from top to bottom. The curtain, which is approximately 3.33 meters wide and 6.35 meters long, is then placed by making openings in the black fabric to secure it. Finally, the edges are sewn into the black fabric covering.
Traditionally, the lower part of the Kiswa is raised about three weeks ahead of the Hajj pilgrimage to protect it from being soiled and damaged as pilgrims circumambulate the Kaaba. This procedure is repeated annually.
Previously, the Kiswa was replaced during the Hajj season, specifically on the morning of Dhul Hijjah 9, when pilgrims go to Mount Arafat. This was done in preparation for receiving worshippers the following morning, coinciding with Eid Al-Adha. However, last year, the General Presidency for the Two Holy Mosques announced a change in tradition. The replacement of the Kiswa now takes place on the eve of Muharram 1, the first day of the Hijri calendar. Sheikh Abdulrahman Al-Sudais, president of the Two Holy Mosques presidency, noted that this change was made based on a royal decision.
This new tradition signifies a fresh start and honors the Islamic new year, marking a significant event in the Islamic calendar and the lives of millions of Muslims around the world.
