Kaaba Kiswah Raised amid Preparations for 2023 Hajj (+Photos)

The Kiswah of the Holy Kaaba has been raised by three meters to make the holy site prepared for the 2023 Hajj pilgrimage and hosting of millions of pilgrims.

Authorities in Mecca raised the Kiswah on Friday evening while also covering the lower part with a two-meter-wide white cotton cloth on all four sides.

This is an annual practice aimed to help prevent damage to the Kaaba during the pilgrimage.

The Kiswah is the black brocade cloth that covers the Kaaba, the most sacred shrine of Islam, in Mecca, Saudi Arabia. It is embroidered in gold with the Muslim profession of faith and a gold band of ornamental calligraphy carrying Quranic verses

The Kiswah is changed every year on the 9th day of the month of Dhu al-Hijjah, the day pilgrims leave for the plains of Mount Arafat during the Hajj. A procession traditionally accompanies the Kiswah to Mecca, a tradition dating back to the 12th century.

The old Kiswah is replaced with a white cloth that corresponds to the white ceremonial robes of the pilgrims and signifies entrance into a sacred state (iḥrām). The old Kiswah is then cut into small relics that are sold to pilgrims.

The Kiswah is made up of 670 kilograms of raw silk with verses from the Quran woven in gold-plated thread. The verses are woven using 120kg of gold and 100kg of silver threads. The belt of the Kiswa is made up of six pieces.

Hajj is one of the largest religious gatherings in the world and is considered a religious duty that must be completed during the life of every healthy and economically capable Muslim. This year, Hajj is expected to start on June 26 and will take place without COVID-19 restrictions, allowing a large number of pilgrims to participate.

Source: Agencies