The General Authority for the Care of the Affairs of the Two Holy Mosques recently completed the annual procedure of raising the lower part of the cover (kiswa) of the Holy Kaaba in preparation for the upcoming Hajj season of 2024. This precautionary measure is taken to prevent damage to the kiswa caused by pilgrims who tend to touch it during their circumambulation around the Holy Kaaba at the Grand Mosque in Makkah. The procedure involved lifting the kiswa by about three meters and covering the raised part with a white cotton cloth, with a width of two and a half meters and length of 54 meters. The process was carried out by 36 specialized Saudi technical personnel using 10 cranes.
The process of raising the kiswa involves several phases, starting with unscrewing the bottom of the cover from all sides, then separating the corners and untying the bottom rope to remove it from the fixing rings. The cloth is then rolled upward, lanterns are dismantled, and the white cloth is put in place. The lanterns are then reinstalled over the white cloth until the final phase of wrapping the lower part of the curtain of the Kaaba’s door. The kiswa is wrapped around the Holy Kaaba with a height of three meters, parallel to it at a one-meter height difference. This meticulous process ensures that the kiswa is raised and protected in preparation for the pilgrimage season.
The raising of the kiswa is an important tradition that is carried out every year to maintain the sanctity and preservation of the Holy Kaaba. It serves as a symbol of respect and reverence for the holiest site in Islam and ensures that the kiswa remains intact for the millions of pilgrims who visit the Grand Mosque in Makkah each year. The white cloth covering the raised part of the kiswa signifies purity and cleanliness, reflecting the spiritual significance of the Kaaba as a place of worship and reflection for Muslims from around the world.
The General Authority for the Care of the Affairs of the Two Holy Mosques oversees the careful execution of this annual procedure, involving skilled personnel and specialized equipment to ensure the kiswa is raised efficiently and safely. The meticulous process of raising the kiswa is carried out with precision and attention to detail, reflecting the importance of preserving the sacredness of the Holy Kaaba. The raising of the kiswa serves as a reminder of the significance of the Kaaba in Islamic tradition and the importance of maintaining its integrity for future generations of pilgrims.
In conclusion, the completion of the annual procedure of raising the lower part of the kiswa of the Holy Kaaba is a significant milestone in the preparation for the upcoming Hajj season of 2024. The meticulous process of raising the kiswa is carried out with precision and care, reflecting the reverence and respect for the holiest site in Islam. The white cloth covering the raised part of the kiswa symbolizes purity and cleanliness, emphasizing the spiritual significance of the Kaaba as a place of worship and reflection for Muslims around the world. The General Authority for the Care of the Affairs of the Two Holy Mosques ensures that this tradition is carried out with the utmost attention to detail, maintaining the sanctity of the Holy Kaaba for the millions of pilgrims who visit each year.