Holy Kaaba Unveils New Kiswa Weighing Over 1.4 Tons For Year 1447 AH Ceremony

The General Presidency for the Affairs of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque is preparing to change the Kiswa of the Holy Kaaba. This annual tradition will take place at the start of 1447 AH. The new covering, crafted with precision, will adorn the Kaaba, symbolising its spiritual importance.

The process of creating the Kiswa involves meticulous craftsmanship. It starts with water desalination and washing, followed by dyeing raw silk in black. Weaving both patterned and plain fabrics, printing Qur’anic verses with geometric accuracy, and assembling parts are crucial steps. The final stages include fixing gilded elements and embroidering verses using high-quality silver and gold threads.

Manufacturing the Kiswa takes about 11 months at the King Abdulaziz Complex for Holy Kaaba Kiswa in Umm Al-Joud. The production involves seven precise stages: water desalination, washing, weaving, printing, embroidery, assembly, and inspection. Each stage is executed with great care to ensure quality.

After Asr prayer on Wednesday, Dhu Al-Hijjah 29, 1446 AH, the gilded parts of the old Kiswa will be removed. The official ceremony to replace it inside the Grand Mosque is set for early Thursday, Muharram 1, 1447 AH. This event marks a significant moment in maintaining the sanctity of this sacred site.

The new Kiswa comprises 47 pieces of embroidered black silk featuring 68 Qur’anic verses in silver threads plated with 24-karat gold. Weighing approximately 1,415 kilograms, it reflects Saudi Arabia's dedication to preserving the sanctity of Islam’s holiest sites.

The completed Kiswa undergoes thorough inspection to meet high-quality standards before installation. This ensures that every detail aligns with its spiritual significance. Transported from Umm Al-Joud to the Grand Mosque in a dedicated trailer, it signifies a seamless transition from creation to installation.

This annual renewal highlights Saudi Arabia's commitment to honouring Islamic traditions. By renewing this sacred covering each year, they demonstrate respect for its spiritual importance to Muslims worldwide.

With inputs from SPA