Ghilaf-e-Kaaba changed to mark the Islamic New Year

Makkah: Ghilaf-e-Kaaba was changed with traditional devotion and respect at the beginning of the new Islamic year. On this occasion, spiritual scenes were witnessed in the Grand Mosque, resonating with prayers and emotion.

The process began after Isha prayers and was completed before Fajr, involving hundreds of skilled workers who worked through the night with precision and care. Meanwhile, thousands of worshippers continued performing Tawaf (circumambulation) and offering prayers around the Kaaba.

The new Kiswah is crafted from high-quality black silk, embroidered with 24-karat gold and silver threads, and inscribed with verses from the Holy Qur’an using intricate and sophisticated calligraphy techniques. The fabric features both plain and patterned weaving, combining tradition with technical mastery.

Portions of the previous Kiswah, including the gold-threaded sections, were carefully removed and preserved. The preparation of the Kiswah is a year-long process, carried out by specialised artisans following precise engineering and religious guidelines.