Makkah: The ceremony for changing the Kiswa of the Holy Kaaba will take place on Sunday. The new Kiswa, crafted from 1000 kg of raw silk, will be installed by skilled artisans and workers under the supervision of the Haram Office.
The veil of the Kaaba is replaced at the dawn of the new year, Muharram 1, of the Hijri calendar. This ceremony involves removing the old Kiswa and putting on a new one. A dedicated factory in Makkah produces the Kiswa, with 200 workers completing its construction following ten months of labor. The main portion of the Kiswa is assembled using the world’s largest sewing machine, with the remaining sections finished through hand stitching.
Artisans will meticulously stitch words glorifying God onto the Kiswa, utilizing 120 kg of gold thread and 100 kg of silver thread. The Kaaba’s covering consists of four cloth pieces and a door curtain. Each of the four pieces of Kiswa measures 15 meters in height and up to 12 meters in length. This sacred task is conducted with great reverence, led by two distinguished officials.
The Grand Ceremony of Replacing the Kiswa of the Holy Kaaba
The annual ritual of changing the Kiswa of the Holy Kaaba, a pivotal event in the Islamic calendar, will take place on Sunday. This ceremony embodies the deep reverence and devotion Muslims hold for the holiest site in Islam.
A Tapestry of Faith and Craftsmanship
The Kiswa, a black silk covering adorned with intricate gold and silver embroidery, is meticulously crafted each year, symbolizing the sacredness and spiritual significance of the Kaaba. The new Kiswa, weighing a staggering 1,000 kilograms, is woven from raw silk of the highest quality, reflecting the opulent and intricate artistry that goes into its creation.
The Annual Ceremony
The ceremony of changing the Kiswa is a solemn and captivating tradition that unfolds on the first day of Muharram, the first month of the Islamic lunar calendar. As the dawn breaks, the old Kiswa is carefully removed from the Kaaba, marking the end of its year-long service.
A team of skilled artisans and workers, under the supervision of the Iru Haram office, then meticulously drape the new Kiswa onto the Kaaba, a process that takes hours of precision and devotion. This change of the Kiswa signifies a fresh start, a renewal of faith, and a reminder of the enduring legacy of the Holy Kaaba.
A Dedicated Factory of Faith: The Kiswa Factory
The Kiswa is not just hastily sewn together; it is a masterpiece meticulously crafted in a dedicated factory in Makkah, a testament to the reverence given to this sacred covering. This factory is a hub of skilled workers and artisans who spend ten months painstakingly weaving, embroidering, and hand-stitching the Kiswa, ensuring its perfection.
The Heart of the Kiswa: The Largest Sewing Machine in the World
The main part of the Kiswa’s construction is completed using the world’s largest sewing machine, a marvel of engineering that underscores the scale and precision involved in creating this sacred tapestry. The machine ensures the seamless joining of the various panels of the Kiswa, a crucial step that requires incredible strength and accuracy.
The Finishing Touches: Hand-Stitching and Embroidered Verses
While the machine handles the majority of stitching, the final intricate details of the Kiswa are completed by hand, an ode to the artistry and dedication of the artisans. Each stitch is imbued with reverence as the artisans elegantly hand-stitch the remaining sections, ensuring the Kiswa is not only beautiful but also perfectly crafted.
Embroidered Verses of Divine Glory
A key element of the Kiswa’s design are the intricate verses from the Holy Quran that adorn its surface. 这些金色的经文由 skilled artisans, using 120 kilograms of pure gold thread, meticulously embroidered onto the black silk, a testament to the beauty and elegance of the Arabic calligraphy. Further adding to the magnificence of the Kiswa are the inscriptions in silver thread, weighing 100 kilograms, that emphasize the sacredness of the Kaaba.
The Composition of the Kiswa: Layers of Meaning
The Kiswa is composed of four panels, each approximately 15 meters high and 12 meters wide, joined together to cover the entire Kaaba. Besides these panels, the Kiswa also encompasses a special door curtain, called the “Burqu’ al-Bab,” further enhancing the majestic visual appeal of the Kaaba.
The Significance of the Ceremony
Beyond the grandeur of the ceremony, replacing the Kiswa is a deeply meaningful ritual that symbolizes a fundamental tenet of Islam – the unity and oneness of God. The ceremony reinforces the unwavering devotion of Muslims to Allah (God) and highlights the profound importance of the Kaaba as a symbol of pilgrimage and unification for Muslims worldwide.
The Kiswa: A Timeless Tapestry of Faith
The Kiswa is more than a piece of fabric; it is a symbol of faith, devotion, and artistic excellence. Each year, as the new Kiswa is unveiled, it embodies the spirit of Islam, reminding Muslims of their unwavering devotion and the eternal significance of the Kaaba as the focal point of their prayers.
The Ceremony: A Spectacle of Reverence
Witnessing the changing of the Kiswa is a truly awe-inspiring experience. The ceremony, led by two important officials, carries an aura of solemnity and respect, reflecting the immense spiritual significance of this event for Muslims worldwide.
Beyond the Ceremony: The Legacy of the Kiswa
The Kiswa is not merely a yearly ritual; it is a timeless tapestry of faith, a tangible embodiment of the spiritual journey of millions of Muslims. The old Kiswa, following serving its purpose, is carefully preserved and often gifted to prominent figures or institutions, serving as reminders of the sacredness of the Kaaba and the deep devotion it inspires.
The Kiswa: A Tapestry Woven with Devotion
The Kiswa, with its intricate design, symbolizes the beauty and depth of Islamic faith, serving as a constant reminder of the spiritual journey undertaken by Muslims worldwide. It is a testament to the unwavering belief and dedication of a global community, united by their faith and their reverence for the House of God.
