In anticipation of the commencement of Hajj 2024, officials in Makkah, Saudi Arabia, oversaw the ceremonial raising of the Kiswa, the cloth covering the Holy Kaaba. The event, a significant prelude to the annual pilgrimage, took place with meticulous attention to tradition and detail.
The Kiswa, a symbol of reverence and sanctity, was elevated by three meters, with the lower section enveloped in a white cotton cloth known as Ihram, extending two meters wide on all four sides. This customary practice serves to shield the Kaaba from potential damage ahead of the influx of pilgrims during Hajj.
A specialized team from the King Abdul Aziz Complex, entrusted with the custodianship and maintenance of the Kaaba, spearheaded the ceremonial proceedings, ensuring the utmost precision and care.
Traditionally, the replacement of the Kiswa occurs on the 9th of Dhul-Hijjah, the final month of the Islamic calendar. However, in a departure from convention, this ritual was rescheduled to coincide with the onset of Muharram in 2022.
Crafted from 670 kilograms of raw silk, the Kiswa bears inscriptions of verses from the Quran intricately woven in gold-plated thread. The meticulous artistry behind the creation of the Kiswa encompasses the use of 120 kilograms of gold and 100 kilograms of silver threads, underscoring the profound reverence accorded to the Kaaba.
The Kiswa’s belt, a testament to the precision of craftsmanship, comprises six distinct pieces, each contributing to the fabric’s overall grandeur and significance.
As the countdown to Hajj 2024 begins, the ceremonial raising of the Kiswa stands as a poignant reminder of the enduring traditions and spiritual significance imbued within the sacred precincts of the Kaaba.
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