Monitoring Desk
As part of annual Hajj preparations, the General Authority for the Care of the Affairs of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque has raised the lower portion of the Holy Kaaba’s Kiswa (the black cloth covering) by three meters. The traditional practice, carried out ahead of Hajj 1446 AH, is aimed at protecting the sacred covering from wear and damage during the peak pilgrimage season.
The process, conducted with precision by specialized teams, involved carefully detaching the lower parts of the Kiswa, separating the corners, and lifting the cloth before securing it in place. A white cotton cloth, two meters wide, was then wrapped around the exposed section on all four sides. Traditional lamps around the Kaaba were also reinstalled after the operation.
This annual ritual is rooted in centuries of tradition and is designed to safeguard the Kiswa from physical contact during Tawaf — the ritual circumambulation performed by millions of pilgrims in close proximity to the Kaaba. The raised Kiswa ensures both preservation of the cloth and smooth movement of pilgrims.
Authorities stated that the operation was conducted with utmost respect for the sanctity of the site and in accordance with the highest standards of safety and professionalism. It reflects the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s commitment to creating a safe, orderly, and spiritually uplifting environment for pilgrims.
The raising of the Kiswa is one of several measures being implemented in the lead-up to Hajj, highlighting the meticulous planning and comprehensive preparations underway to receive pilgrims from around the world.
