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

The General Presidency for the Affairs of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque is set to commence the annual tradition of changing the Kiswa of the Holy Kaaba. This event will take place at the start of 1447 AH, marking a significant moment as the Kaaba receives its new covering. The Kiswa's production, completed at the King Abdulaziz Complex for Holy Kaaba Kiswa in Umm Al-Joud, involved meticulous craftsmanship over 11 months.

The creation of the Kiswa involves seven detailed stages: water desalination, washing, weaving, printing, embroidery, assembly, and final inspection. Specially prepared water is used for washing, while raw silk is dyed black. Both patterned and plain fabrics are woven for the Kiswa and its lining. Qur’anic verses are printed with geometric precision on the fabric. The parts are then assembled and sewn together, with gilded elements fixed in place. High-quality silver and gold threads are used to embroider the verses.

After Asr prayer on Wednesday, Dhu Al-Hijjah 29, 1446 AH, the gilded sections of the old Kiswa will be removed. The official ceremony to replace it inside the Grand Mosque is scheduled for early Thursday, marking Muharram 1, 1447 AH. This event underscores Saudi Arabia's dedication to maintaining this sacred tradition.

The new Kiswa comprises 47 pieces of embroidered black silk adorned with 68 Qur’anic verses in silver threads plated with 24-karat gold. Weighing approximately 1,415 kilograms, it represents Saudi Arabia's commitment to preserving the spiritual significance of this sacred covering for Muslims worldwide. The Kiswa is transported from Umm Al-Joud to the Grand Mosque using a dedicated trailer.

The entire process concludes with a thorough inspection to ensure adherence to high-quality standards before installation. This reflects both great effort and exceptional craftsmanship in producing this unique Kiswa.

This annual renewal highlights Saudi Arabia's devotion to caring for the Two Holy Mosques. It also emphasises their commitment to renewing this sacred covering in a manner that reflects its spiritual importance and sanctity in Muslims' hearts globally.

With inputs from SPA