New Hijri Year 1448: Soul-Stirring Ceremony of Kaaba Kiswah Replacement Concludes at Masjid al-Haram

MAKKAH MUKARRAMAH, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 16th Jun, 2026) The soul-stirring and dignified annual ceremony to replace the Kiswah (ghilaf) of the Holy Kaaba concluded with profound religious fervor and reverence here at the Grand Mosque on the auspicious commencement of the new Islamic year, 1448 Hijri. Thousands of pilgrims gathered at Masjid al-Haram witnessed the faith-rejuvenating spectacle amidst echoing chants of Takbeer (Allahu Akbar) and Tahleel (La ilaha illallah)..

Under the direct supervision of the General Presidency for the Affairs of the Two Holy Mosques, a dedicated team of Saudi experts and technicians meticulously replaced the old cloth with the new adorned Kiswah in an operation lasting several hours. Adhering to the modern tradition institutionalized by Saudi authorities a few years ago, the sacred ritual is now observed on the eve of the 1st of Muharram to welcome the Islamic New Year, shifting from the conventional date of the 9th of Dhul Hijjah.

More than 150 skilled craftsmen and technical experts participated in the delicate and sacred mission. The specialized crew initiated the process from the side of 'Hateem', hoisting the new Kiswah panels to the rooftop of the Holy Kaaba.

In a display of exceptional precision, technicians secured the new panels at the top before unfastening the ropes of the old Kiswah, gently sliding it down beneath the new one to ensure the walls of the Holy Kaaba remained draped throughout the transition.

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Following the meticulous alignment and seamless stitching of the panels across all four corners Rukn-e-Iraqi, Rukn-e-Shami, Rukn-e-Yamani, and Rukn-e-Aswad the gold and silver-embroided belt (Hizam) along with the ornate curtain for the Kaaba’s door (Burqa) were securely installed.

Manufactured at the King Abdulaziz Complex for Holy Kaaba Kiswah, the new drape stands as a masterpiece of Islamic calligraphy and craftsmanship. According to official data, the production utilized approximately 1,000 kilograms of pure black silk, enriched with 120 kilograms of gold and 100 kilograms of silver threads for the intricate embroidery of Quranic verses and Islamic motifs. The total production cost of the masterpiece is estimated at around 20 million Saudi Riyals.

Following the culmination of the ceremony, officials from the holy mosques administration and the key-holders of the Kaaba transferred the old Kiswah to a specialized repository in Makkah. In line with established protocols, it will undergo chemical preservation before its segments are presented as state gifts to international dignitaries and global heads of state. Millions of Muslims around the world witnessed the spiritual proceedings live via television networks and digital media platforms.