As Muslims around the world celebrate the Hijri New Year, the Holy Kaaba is all set to receive its new Kiswa. For those who are wondering, this is a tradition which is renewed annually at the Holiest site in Islam. The process shows how Saudi Arabia cares for the grand mosque, and it also showcases the precision and craftsmanship, which is involved in producing the
What Is The Kiswa?
An exceptional moment where history meets precision, as the new Kiswa is raised inside the Grand Mosque.#Holy_Kaaba pic.twitter.com/xchG3yWjb5
— The Authority for the Care of the Two Holy Mosques (@AlharamainSA_EN) June 15, 2026
But before we dive ahead, one needs to know what the Kiswa is. This is basically a sacred black silk and gold embroidered cloth that is draped around the Kaaba in Mecca. Every year, Muslims turn their attention to the Holy Kaaba when it is adorned with the new cover. This cloth may appear to be a single garment. However, it is a sophisticated, artistic and engineering work, which is crafted from seven different types of fabric. Each of these fabrics, as revealed in a report of the SPA, contributes towards the structure, beauty and durability.
More About The Cloth
The creation of the Kiswa begins with black silk, which is the outer covering. It gives a globally recognised appearance along with the embossed black silk. On the inside, there is an off-white cotton, which is used as an inner lining, adding strength and durability to the garment. There is also red silk, which is incorporated in certain decorative elements. And the green silk is used behind the curtain of the door of the Holy Kaaba.
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This Year’s Process Began On Monday Night
The preparation intensifies when the replacement date approaches, as revealed by the Saudi Gazette. Sections of the new Kiswa get transported to designated locations so that it is ready for installation. Final inspections are conducted of the embroidered pieces, Quranic verses and Islamic motifs.
This is done to ensure that they are fully prepared before the replacement process begins. The process begins with the removal of gold-embroidered ornaments and embroidered pieces that are attached to the existing Kiswa. Then the sections of the old covering are carefully detached before the new Kiswa gets installed piece by piece.
A vital role is played by Saudi specialists when it comes to production, maintenance and installation. And of course, the replacement carries profound, religious significance.
As mentioned by the Authority for the Care of the Two Holy Mosques, this year’s process for Kiwa replacement commenced on Monday night.
Cover Image Courtesy: X/AlharamainSA_EN
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