The handing over of the keys of the Holy Kaaba and the Maqam Ibrahim (Shrine of Prophet Ibrahim’s standing place) in Makkah is a significant ceremony that took place recently. Sheikh Abdul Rahman bin Saleh Al-Shaibi passed on the keys to Sheikh Abdul Wahhab bin Zain Al-Abidin Al-Shaibi, the 78th caretaker of the Kaaba. This handing over of the keys to the Kaaba is a traditional practice that has been followed for generations within the Al-Shaiba family. The oldest member of the family is chosen as the successor, in this case, Sheikh Abdul Wahhab Al-Shaibi.
After receiving the key to the Kaaba, Sheikh Abdul-Wahhab expressed his gratitude and prayed for success in carrying out his duties under the government of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman and Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman. As the caretaker of the Kaaba, Sheikh Abdul-Wahhab will be responsible for various tasks such as changing the kiswa (cover), washing, perfuming, and opening and closing the Kaaba. The Bani Shaiba family has a long history of being entrusted with the responsibility of guarding the Kaaba and taking care of its affairs.
The tradition of passing down the position of keeper (sadin) of the Kaaba to the oldest member of the Al-Shaiba family dates back to the time of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). When the Prophet entered the Kaaba after conquering Makkah, he entrusted the key to Othman Bin Talha of the Bani Shaiba family, stating that the keys would remain with them until the Day of Judgment. The family has continued to honor this tradition, with Dr. Saleh Al-Shaibi serving as the 77th key holder of the Kaaba before his passing.
Dr. Saleh Al-Shaibi was a respected scholar, academic, and author who held the position of senior keeper of the Kaaba for over a decade. He accompanied Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman during the ceremonial washing of the Kaaba on several occasions. After his death, he was succeeded by Sheikh Abdul Wahhab Al-Shaibi, the eldest member of the family. The Al-Shaiba family takes great pride in upholding the responsibility of caring for the Kaaba, as it is a duty that has been passed down through generations.
The Al-Shaiba family’s connection to the Kaaba stems from a verse revealed inside the Holy Kaaba, which mandates the rendering of trusts to those they belong to. This divine connection has solidified the family’s role as the keepers of the Kaaba for centuries. The passing on of the keys of the Kaaba represents not only a ceremonial tradition but also a sacred duty that holds great significance in the Islamic faith. It is a role that is steeped in history and tradition, and one that the Al-Shaiba family continues to uphold with dedication and reverence.
