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Kuwait Times
5 days ago
- General
- Kuwait Times
Kuwaiti ambassador attends annual Kaaba washing ceremony
MAKKAH: Prince Saud bin Mishal, Deputy Amir of the Makkah Region, performs the ceremonial washing of the Kaaba. — KUNA photos MAKKAH: Prince Saud bin Mishal, Deputy Amir of the Makkah Region, performed the ceremonial washing of the Kaaba on Thursday on behalf of Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz, in one of the most revered traditions in the Islamic world. The ceremony, held inside the Grand Mosque, saw Prince Saud cleanse the interior walls of the Kaaba using cloths soaked in a mixture of Zamzam water and rose water, a special blend prepared in advance by the General Authority for the Affairs of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet's Mosque. The symbolic act, rooted in a prophetic tradition dating back to the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), was carried out in the presence of high-ranking officials, members of the diplomatic corps, and custodians of the holy site. Among the participants was Sheikh Sabah Nasser Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, Kuwait's Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, as well as Kuwait's Consul General in Jeddah and Permanent Representative to the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, Yousef Al-Tunaib. Sheikh Sabah Nasser Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, Kuwait's Ambassador to Saudi Arabia and Kuwait's Consul General in Jeddah Yousef Al-Tunaib. The Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported that the ceremony involved 'daubing the interior walls of the Kaaba with cloths soaked in Zamzam water mixed with rose water,' a process that symbolizes purification and reverence for Islam's holiest site. The washing of the Kaaba, performed at least once a year, is a tradition that traces its roots to the Prophet Muhammad's (PBUH) act of cleansing the sacred structure upon the conquest of Makkah. The ritual continues to draw wide participation from Islamic leaders and dignitaries, serving as a powerful symbol of unity and devotion across the Muslim world. — KUNA
Saudi Gazette
28-03-2025
- General
- Saudi Gazette
Over 2.5 million attend Khatm Al-Qur'an prayers in Makkah
Saudi Gazette report MAKKAH — More than 2.5 million worshippers gathered at the Grand Mosque on Friday to perform Isha and Taraweeh prayers on the 29th night of Ramadan, marking the Qur'an completion ceremony (Khatm Al-Qur'an) in a deeply spiritual and peaceful atmosphere. From the early morning hours, the Grand Mosque witnessed a continuous flow of Umrah pilgrims and worshippers filling its courtyards, prayer halls, and the Mataf area. The Kingdom's meticulous preparations and expansive services allowed worshippers to perform their rituals with ease, comfort, and safety under the guidance of the wise leadership. The General Authority for the Affairs of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet's Mosque mobilized its full capacity in coordination with relevant authorities to manage the massive influx. Worshippers were directed efficiently to the Mataf, designated prayer areas, and routes dedicated to elderly people and individuals with disabilities. Guidance signage was strategically placed to ease access to facilities and services. The authority intensified operations in cleaning, sanitization, and perfuming of the mosque, deploying specialized equipment, while maintaining round-the-clock readiness of restrooms, over 33,000 prayer rugs, and continuous availability of both chilled and unchilled Zamzam water. Advanced logistical support was in place with operational elevators, escalators, and over 1,300 sound system speakers. The electric golf carts and manual carts were linked through the 'Tanaqul' app, streamlining mobility for those in need. A trained team managed crowd movement, ensuring a smooth flow throughout the mosque. More than 3,500 male and female workers carried out five daily cleanings of the entire Grand Mosque, monitored by supervisors ensuring operations ran at full capacity. Emergency response systems were on high alert, with checks on fire alarms, ventilation systems, and pedestrian safety routes. The Authority also implemented a weather-monitoring system to act immediately during rainfall or other climate changes. Integrated plans were in place for guiding crowds, with clearly marked pathways, trained pedestrian guides providing multilingual assistance, and volunteers helping worshippers navigate the vast mosque complex.
