Sheikh Saleh Al-Shaibi, a prominent figure in Makkah and the senior caretaker of the Holy Kaaba, passed away at the age of 79 after a prolonged illness. His death was mourned by the General Authority for the Care of the Affairs of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque, as well as by scholars, academics, and other prominent figures in Makkah. Al-Shaibi, who was known for his scholarly work and dedication to his responsibilities, served as the 77th key holder of the Kaaba for over a decade. He was born into the Shaibi family, which has been the keepers of the Kaaba for centuries, and continued the family tradition of honoring the position of keeper of the Kaaba.
Born in Makkah in 1366 AH, Al-Shaibi obtained a doctorate degree in Islamic studies and worked as a university professor for several years. He also served as the head of the Department of Creed at Umm Al-Qura University and authored several books on Islamic creed, Islamic studies, and history. During his tenure as the senior caretaker of the Kaaba, Al-Shaibi was responsible for overseeing all affairs related to the Holy Kaaba, including opening and closing it, changing its cover, cleaning, washing, perfuming, and monitoring its maintenance. He also accompanied Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman during the ceremonial Kaaba washing ceremony on several occasions.
The Shaibi family has a long-standing tradition of passing down the position of the keeper of the Kaaba to its oldest member, in accordance with the practice initiated by Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) after the conquest of Makkah. When the Prophet (PBUH) entered the Kaaba, he entrusted the key to Othman Bin Talha, stating that it would remain with him until the Day of Judgment. The Shaibi family has continued to uphold this tradition, with Sheikh Saleh Al-Shaibi being the 77th successor of Othman Bin Talha. This tradition is in accordance with the verse revealed inside the Kaaba, which emphasizes the importance of fulfilling trusts.
During the modern Saudi era, Al-Shaibi was only the 10th senior keeper of the Kaaba, a position of great honor and responsibility. He was known for his dedication to his duties and his commitment to upholding the sanctity of the Holy Kaaba. He was also recognized for his scholarly contributions to the field of Islamic studies and his active participation in academic conferences and seminars. His death marks the end of an era for the Shaibi family, as they bid farewell to a beloved member who served as a custodian of the Holiest site in Islam for over a decade.
The General Authority for the Care of the Affairs of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque expressed their condolences to the family of Sheikh Saleh Al-Shaibi and prayed for God’s mercy to be showered upon him. The people of Makkah, as well as scholars, academics, and other prominent figures, also mourned the loss of a great scholar and academic. Al-Shaibi’s legacy will live on through his contributions to Islamic scholarship, his dedication to the care of the Holy Kaaba, and his role as the 77th key holder of the Kaaba. May his soul rest in peace as the Shaibi family continues to uphold the tradition of honoring the position of the keeper of the Kaaba for generations to come.
