Holy Kaaba adorned with new Kiswa

MAKKAH — The Holy Kaaba, Islam’s holiest shrine, was adorned with the new Kiswa (cover) on Tuesday, the first day of Muharram, 1448 AH. The annual customary ceremony of replacing the old Kiswa with a new one was a majestic scene that reflected Saudi Arabia’s care for the holiest place on earth and showcased Saudi excellence and mastery in producing one of the greatest masterpieces of Islamic art. Minister of Hajj and Umrah Tawfiq Al-Rabiah was among those who witnessed the ceremony. Replacing the Kiswa was not merely a carefully coordinated annual ceremony, but a national success story shaped by 150 Saudi makers and craftsmen, who used their expertise and skills over 11 months to produce 47 pieces of luxurious black silk embroidered with 30 Qur’anic verses in silver thread plated with 24-karat gold. The Kiswa weighs 1,410 kilograms. The General Authority for the Care of the Affairs of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque, represented by the King Abdulaziz Complex for the Holy Kaaba Kiswa, has started on Monday night the process of replacing the Kiswa such as removing the gold-embroidered ornaments, decorative elements, lamps, and other embellishments attached to the Kiswa, as well as lowering the curtain of the Kaaba’s door, in accordance with the annual customary tradition associated with the Holy Kaaba. Crafted by 150 skilled Saudi artisans at the King Abdulaziz Complex for the Holy Kaaba Kiswa, the new covering was produced through a year-long process that combined specialized expertise, advanced techniques, and meticulous attention to detail. The new Kiswa represents the harmonious meeting of authentic Islamic art and modern Saudi craftsmanship. At its heart remains Arabic calligraphy—an enduring symbol of the Qur’an, the Arabic language, and the rich legacy of Islamic civilization. The Kiswa’s production went through seven precise stages: desalinating water, washing the silk, weaving, printing, embroidery, assembly, and inspection. It was then transported on a special trailer that preserved this unique Islamic heritage until it arrived at the Mataf courtyard in the Grand Mosque. The production of the Kiswa relies on premium raw materials, including 825 kilograms of natural silk, 47 rolls of black silk for the outer covering, 400 kilograms of raw cotton for the inner lining, 60 kilograms of pure silver for embroidery, and 120 kilograms of gold-plated silver used in embroidering Qur’anic verses and decorative motifs. The Kiswa of the Holy Kaaba is a remarkable expression of Islamic artistry, showcasing the beauty and elegance of Arabic calligraphy. Adorned with Qur’anic verses and expressions of faith inscribed in the Thuluth Jali script, the Kiswa reflects one of the most refined traditions of Islamic visual culture. Renowned for its intricate compositions, fluid forms, and decorative richness, this distinguished script has long been the preferred choice for embellishing the sacred garment of the Kaaba. The presence of this artistic heritage extends beyond the exterior covering. Inside the Holy Kaaba, its walls are draped with luxurious green fabric embroidered with Qur’anic verses and supplications in Thuluth calligraphy, creating a setting that reflects both spiritual reverence and exceptional craftsmanship.