As the new Hijri year 1445 begins, Saudi Arabia prepares for the revered tradition of changing the Kiswa, or drapery, of the Kaaba. The General Presidency of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet's Mosque, in collaboration with the King Abdul Aziz Complex for the Holy Kaaba Kiswa, have confirmed their readiness for this esteemed task. This article explores the meticulous process and significance behind the annual changing of the Kaaba's Kiswa.

1. Readiness for the Sacred Task:

. The General Presidency of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet's Mosque, along with the King Abdul Aziz Complex for the Holy Kaaba Kiswa, have confirmed their readiness for the annual task of changing the Kaaba's Kiswa.
. Amjad bin Ayed Al Hazmi, Undersecretary-General of King Abdulaziz Complex for the Holy Kaaba Kiswah, expressed that all preparations have been completed.
. The change of the Kiswa will be executed following specific operational plans to ensure its timely and impeccable execution.

2. Expertise and Training:

. Fifteen employees have undergone specialized training for this sacred task.
. The Director of Kaaba Kiswa maintenance department, Fahd Al Jabiri, highlighted the purpose of the rigorous training to familiarize participants with the process and enhance their capabilities and skills.
. The department aims to expedite the task completion with utmost performance, setting a record period of time for the process.

3.Intricate Process and Sacred Duty:

. The making of the Kaaba's Kiswa involves ten industrial stages, underscoring the significance and honor associated with this sacred duty.
. The process begins with the desalination of silk, followed by treating the silk in sweetened water and removing the preservative wax layer.
. Dyeing the silk in black for the outer garment and green for the inner cladding is the next step.
. Subsequent stages include weaving, printing Quranic verses, embroidering with gold and silver wires, hand embroidery of Islamic motifs, and the final assembly and sewing of the dress.

4. Symbolic Completion:

. The final stage of the process involves the replacement of the old Kaaba drapery with the new one and the installation of the Kaaba door curtain.
. This symbolic completion signifies the fresh start of the Hijri year and reaffirms the reverence and sanctity of the Kaaba.

As Saudi Arabia enters the new Hijri year 1445, the annual tradition of changing the Kaaba's Kiswa takes center stage. The meticulous process, involving multiple stages and the efforts of dedicated professionals, reflects the honor and significance associated with this sacred duty. The seamless execution of the Kiswa changing not only symbolizes the fresh start of the Hijri year but also serves as a reminder of the timeless reverence and sanctity surrounding the Kaaba.