logo
Look: Kaaba Kiswa replaced for Hijri New Year, weighs over 1415kg

Look: Kaaba Kiswa replaced for Hijri New Year, weighs over 1415kg

Khaleej Times3 days ago

The General Presidency for the Affairs of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet's Mosque has unveiled the new Kiswa of the Holy Kaaba on the first day of the Islamic New Year, continuing a tradition that has been upheld for more than a century.
The new Kiswa weighs 1,415 kilogrammes and consists of 47 intricately embroidered black silk panels adorned with 68 Quranic verses stitched using 24-karat gold-plated silver threads.
To produce the new Kiswa, 120 kilogrammes of gold-plated silver thread, 60 kilogrammes of pure silver, 825 kilogrammes of silk, and 410 kilogrammes of raw cotton were used. Additionally, 54 gilded pieces were crafted using eight specialised weaving machines within the complex.
Take a look at photos displaying the process of replacing the Kiswa:
The truck with the Kiswah at Masjid Al Haram pic.twitter.com/SUeWLM3Yav
— ð���ð��®ð��¿ð��®ð��°ð��®ð��¶ð��» (@HaramainInfo) June 25, 2025
The Kiswah change is underway at Masjid Al Haram pic.twitter.com/SalAldLaFc
— ð���ð��®ð��¿ð��®ð��°ð��®ð��¶ð��» (@HaramainInfo) June 25, 2025
The installation of a new Kiswa is a complicated process that takes a few hours to complete, by up to 200 skilled technicians and craftsmen.
The Kiswah Replacement continues at Masjid Al Haram
— ð���ð��®ð��¿ð��®ð��°ð��®ð��¶ð��» (@HaramainInfo) June 25, 2025
The complex's operational staff includes 159 skilled craftsmen who work to produce the gold-embroidered pieces for the holy Kaaba's Kiswa.

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Islamic New Year: What Non-Muslims Should Know
Islamic New Year: What Non-Muslims Should Know

UAE Moments

time2 days ago

  • UAE Moments

Islamic New Year: What Non-Muslims Should Know

The Islamic New Year, also known as Hijri New Year, marks a sacred moment in Muslim history. Here's everything non-Muslims should know about the meaning, customs, and how it's observed around the world. What Is the Islamic New Year? The Islamic New Year, also called the Hijri New Year, signals the start of the Islamic lunar calendar. It begins on the first day of Muharram, one of the four sacred months in Islam. The calendar itself dates back to the Prophet Muhammad's migration—or Hijra —from Mecca to Medina in 622 CE, a defining moment in Islamic history. This year, the Islamic New Year 1447 AH (Anno Hegirae) falls on July 7, 2025, though dates may vary slightly depending on the moon sighting in different regions. Is the Islamic New Year Celebrated Like January 1? Not exactly. Unlike the Gregorian New Year, which is celebrated with fireworks and parties, the Islamic New Year is a quiet, reflective occasion. It's not celebrated with lavish events, but with prayer, remembrance, and spiritual reflection. Some Muslims mark the day with special sermons, reading the Qur'an, and giving charity. It's a moment to reset spiritually, not socially. Why Is Muharram Significant? The first month of the Islamic calendar, Muharram, is considered one of the holiest months in Islam. It's especially important to Shia Muslims, who mourn the martyrdom of Imam Hussain, the grandson of Prophet Muhammad, during the Battle of Karbala on the 10th day, known as Ashura. For both Sunni and Shia Muslims, Muharram is a time for peace, reflection, and remembrance, rather than celebration. How Do Muslims Celebrate the Islamic New Year? If you live in or are visiting a Muslim-majority country, here's what you might observe during the Islamic New Year: Mosques may host prayer gatherings or lectures Some countries declare public holidays, such as the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Indonesia Families may share meals or donate to charity, but festivities are minimal In Shia communities, you may witness mourning processions or public recitations about Imam Hussain's sacrifice There are no mandatory religious rituals tied to the Islamic New Year, so customs may vary across countries and communities. What Should Non-Muslims Say or Do? Not sure how to greet Muslim friends or colleagues? Here are a few respectful options: 'Wishing you a peaceful Hijri New Year.' 'Blessed Muharram to you and your family.' Avoid saying 'Happy New Year' unless you know the recipient is comfortable with that wording, as the month is often solemn for many. If you're unsure, a simple acknowledgment and respect for the occasion go a long way. Is the Islamic Calendar the Same Worldwide? The Islamic calendar is based on lunar sightings, so the start of the new year can vary depending on the country. While some nations rely on astronomical calculations, others wait for the physical moon sighting, leading to slight differences in observance dates. Countries like Qatar, Saudi Arabia, UAE, and Egypt often declare official holidays once the new month is confirmed. Why the Islamic New Year Matters (Even If You're Not Muslim) Understanding the Islamic New Year can help foster cultural awareness and mutual respect, especially in diverse workplaces and international communities. As globalization connects more of us, knowing when and why your Muslim friends or coworkers may be observing a spiritual period— even in a quiet way —helps build stronger relationships. Plus, if you're living in the Middle East, Southeast Asia, or working with international clients, being aware of public holidays and cultural customs can help you plan more effectively. Quick Facts: Islamic New Year for Non-Muslims The Islamic New Year isn't about countdowns or confetti. It's about reflection, renewal, and reverence. For non-Muslims, it's a meaningful opportunity to understand a deeply spiritual event and show respect for the diversity of global traditions. So next time the Hijri New Year comes around, you'll know exactly what it means, how it's observed, and why it matters.

Kiswa of Holy Kaaba replaced to mark the beginning of Hijri New Year
Kiswa of Holy Kaaba replaced to mark the beginning of Hijri New Year

Gulf Today

time2 days ago

  • Gulf Today

Kiswa of Holy Kaaba replaced to mark the beginning of Hijri New Year

Gulf Today Report The Kiswa of Holy Kaaba was replaced to mark the commencement of new Islamic year 1447. The Kiswa refers to the black silk embroidered cloth that covers the Holy Kaaba. The General Authority for the Care of the Affairs of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet's Mosque has completed the annual replacement of the Kiswa of the Holy Kaaba in Makkah on Thursday, continuing a tradition of care that spans over 100 years. The process began with the removal of the gilded curtain from the Kaaba's door, measuring 6.35 metres by 3.33 metres. A specialised team of 154 Saudi professionals from the King Abdulaziz Complex for Holy Kaaba Kiswa carried out the replacement process. The team was strategically assigned to various sides and the roof of the Kaaba based on their areas of expertise. Muslims take photos with their smart phones as workers change the Kiswa. Reuters The process began with dismantling the old Kiswa and installing the new one, which was then secured at the corners and across the roof of the Holy Kaaba. The new Kiswa features 47 expertly embroidered black silk panels, embellished with 68 Quranic verses intricately stitched using gold-plated silver threads. The new Kiswa weighs approximately 1,415 kilogrammes and stands 14 metres high. It consists of four separate panels along with the door curtain (sitara). Workers change the cover of Kaaba known as Kiswa. Reuters Each panel was individually raised and aligned over the previous one, with the new Kiswa being gradually lowered as the old one was removed. This process was repeated for all four sides. Once in place, the decorative band (hizam) was aligned and stitched along a straight line around the Kaaba. Next, the corners were sewn vertically from top to bottom to ensure a seamless and secure finish. The sitara, which requires precision and considerable time, was then installed. A cut was made in the black silk fabric to fit the curtain — measuring 3.30 metres wide and 6.35 metres long — and three openings were created beneath the fabric to insert the curtain. It was then sewn into the Kiswa from both the inside and outside to ensure proper placement. The making of the Kiswa consumed approximately 825 kilogrammes of raw silk, dyed black at the complex, 120 kilogrammes of gold-plated silver thread, 60 kilogrammes of pure silver thread, and 410 kilogrammes of raw cotton. Workers bring in a new cover of Kaaba, known as Kiswa in the Grand Mosque in the Holy City of Makkah. Reuters

Look: Kaaba Kiswa replaced for Hijri New Year, weighs over 1415kg
Look: Kaaba Kiswa replaced for Hijri New Year, weighs over 1415kg

Khaleej Times

time3 days ago

  • Khaleej Times

Look: Kaaba Kiswa replaced for Hijri New Year, weighs over 1415kg

The General Presidency for the Affairs of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet's Mosque has unveiled the new Kiswa of the Holy Kaaba on the first day of the Islamic New Year, continuing a tradition that has been upheld for more than a century. The new Kiswa weighs 1,415 kilogrammes and consists of 47 intricately embroidered black silk panels adorned with 68 Quranic verses stitched using 24-karat gold-plated silver threads. To produce the new Kiswa, 120 kilogrammes of gold-plated silver thread, 60 kilogrammes of pure silver, 825 kilogrammes of silk, and 410 kilogrammes of raw cotton were used. Additionally, 54 gilded pieces were crafted using eight specialised weaving machines within the complex. Take a look at photos displaying the process of replacing the Kiswa: The truck with the Kiswah at Masjid Al Haram — ð���ð��®ð��¿ð��®ð��°ð��®ð��¶ð��» (@HaramainInfo) June 25, 2025 The Kiswah change is underway at Masjid Al Haram — ð���ð��®ð��¿ð��®ð��°ð��®ð��¶ð��» (@HaramainInfo) June 25, 2025 The installation of a new Kiswa is a complicated process that takes a few hours to complete, by up to 200 skilled technicians and craftsmen. The Kiswah Replacement continues at Masjid Al Haram — ð���ð��®ð��¿ð��®ð��°ð��®ð��¶ð��» (@HaramainInfo) June 25, 2025 The complex's operational staff includes 159 skilled craftsmen who work to produce the gold-embroidered pieces for the holy Kaaba's Kiswa.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store