Kaaba's New Kiswa Unveiled This Thursday as New Hijri Year Begins

 In a time-honoured tradition marking the dawn of the new Islamic year, 1447 AH, the Holy Kaaba will receive its new Kiswa – the revered black silk covering – this Thursday, June 26, 2025. The General Presidency for the Affairs of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet's Mosque is poised to lead this sacred annual ceremony, ushering in Muharram, the first month of the Hijri calendar, with a profound symbol of renewed reverence and exquisite craftsmanship.

The new Kiswa, a masterpiece of devotion and artistry, has been meticulously crafted over nearly 11 months at the esteemed King Abdulaziz Complex for Holy Kaaba Kiswah in Mecca's Umm Al Joud district. This state-of-the-art facility employs over 200 qualified Saudi craftsmen and administrators, dedicated to preserving the intricate process of Kiswa production, an endeavor costing approximately SAR 25 million (around USD 6.7 million) annually.

The creation and installation of the Kiswa adhere to centuries-old traditions, involving a precise and intricate multi-stage process. This includes the purification and washing of silk, its dyeing to a deep black, and then weaving, with some sections exceeding 9900 threads per meter, often done on the world's largest sewing machine. Quranic verses are meticulously printed onto the silk before 68 selected verses are intricately embroidered using silver threads plated with 24-karat gold, requiring approximately 120 kilograms of gold wire and 100 kilograms of silver wire. The completed Kiswa, composed of 47 individual pieces of silk, stands 14 meters high and is 47 meters long, weighing around 1,415 kilograms.

The ceremonial removal of the old Kiswa is slated for Wednesday afternoon, the 29th of Dhu Al Hijjah, following the Asr prayer. The official installation of the new covering will then commence in the early hours of Thursday, the first day of Muharram, a moment of immense spiritual significance for Muslims worldwide. A dedicated team of around 159 technicians will meticulously lift each of the four sides and the door curtain into place.

This annual changing of the Kiswa is a deeply symbolic event, embodying the continuous care and profound reverence extended to the Holy Kaaba. While historically the timing varied, for many decades, its replacement has consistently occurred on the first day of Muharram. Recent updates to this cherished tradition include the Makkah Deputy Emir, Prince Saud bin Mishaal, participating in the traditional handover of the new Kiswa to Abdul Malik bin Taha Al-Shaibi, the Senior Keeper of the Grand Mosque. Significantly, 2024 marked a historic moment as women were involved in the ceremonial replacement of the Kiswa for the first time, underscoring broader modernization efforts within the Kingdom.

Upon its removal, the old Kiswa is respectfully cut into pieces and distributed to dignitaries and institutions, ensuring its spiritual resonance is shared beyond the Grand Mosque. This timeless ritual continues to unite Muslims globally in their devotion and awe for the holiest site in Islam.