Authorities Raise Lower Part of Kaaba's Kiswa Before Hajj

The kiswa was raised as part of an annual tradition of the Hajj season.

Publish date: Thursday، 23 May 2024

Saudi authorities have raised the lower part of the Kaaba's kiswa (the cloth covering the holy site) as part of an annual tradition ahead of the Hajj season.

Authorities Raise Lower Part of Kaaba's Kiswa Before Hajj

The Kaaba, the building at the center of the Grand Mosque in Makkah, is draped with the kiswa that is changed annually during the Hajj, signalling the start of the pilgrimage season.

The kiswa is of silk and features Quranic verses stitched with golden thread.

Authorities Raise Lower Part of Kaaba's Kiswa Before Hajj

The kiswa is made by skilled artisans in the Kiswa Al Kaaba Factory located within the holy city itself, which the Saudi government runs.

When the kiswa was raised from the lower part of the Kaaba, the exposed part was covered with a white cloth, which measured 2.5 metres wide and 54 metres long on all four sides.

Authorities Raise Lower Part of Kaaba's Kiswa Before Hajj

Authorities in Makkah had 36 specialized staff and 10 cranes raised the lower part of the kiswa.

The kiswa is completely changed on the Day of Arafah, which is a day before Eid Al Adha and the ninth day of the Islamic month Dhul Hijjah.

On this day, pilgrims head to Arafat, in the southeast of Makkah, and spend their time in worship.

After the old kiswa is removed on the day of Arafah, it is cut out into smaller pieces that are given to selected people and organizations.

Hajj will begin on Friday, Jun. 14 and run until Wednesday, Jun. 19.

Authorities Raise Lower Part of Kaaba's Kiswa Before Hajj

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