In a solemn and revered tradition, the General Presidency for the Affairs of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque completed the ceremonial changing of the Kiswa, the black silk covering of the Holy Kaaba, on Thursday.
The ceremony marks the beginning of the Islamic year 1447 AH.
The new Kiswa, meticulously crafted over nearly 11 months at the King Abdulaziz Complex for Holy Kaaba Kiswah in the Umm Al Joud district of Mecca, was installed in the early hours of Muharram 1, coinciding with the start of the Hijri New Year.
The process of changing the Kiswa is rooted in centuries-old Islamic tradition. It began with the careful removal of the old Kiswa on Wednesday afternoon, following Asr prayer on the 29th of Dhu Al Hijjah. A team of skilled workers and technicians from the complex supervised every stage of the replacement process.
2025 Kiswa is composed of 47 intricately woven pieces of black silk and is adorned with 68 Quranic verses, beautifully embroidered using silver threads plated with 24-karat gold. Weighing approximately 1,415 kilograms, the new covering stands as a remarkable piece of Islamic craftsmanship and devotion.
The changing of the Kiswa is an annual event that holds deep spiritual significance for Muslims worldwide, symbolizing renewal and reverence as the Islamic calendar turns a new page.
The ceremony was carried out with precision and reverence, reflecting the enduring commitment of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to preserve and honor the sacred rituals of Islam.
