Every year, just before the Hajj season, an important ritual takes place at the Kabah—the raising of the Kiswah. Have you ever wondered why this tradition is carried out? Let's dive into the reasons behind it.

The Kiswah, a magnificent cloth covering the Kabah, serves as a protective layer during the Hajj pilgrimage. With millions of pilgrims visiting the holy site, the crowd can become overwhelming, increasing the risk of damage to the cloth. Raising the Kiswah three meters above the ground helps safeguard it from any potential harm caused by the bustling crowd.

Unfortunately, some individuals hold superstitious beliefs and attempt to cut parts of the Kiswah, seeking spiritual benefits. To discourage such actions, the Kiswah raising ceremony is accompanied by the placement of a white cloth around the Kabah, symbolizing the beginning of the Hajj season. Previously, when the Kiswah was raised, the white cloth underneath was revealed. However, a separate white cloth is now used to mark this significant occasion.

Traditionally, the Kiswah raising ceremony takes place around the 15th of Dhul Qadah, just before the peak influx of pilgrims. However, this year, due to restrictions on the number of pilgrims, the crowd size will be smaller, simplifying the process of raising the Kiswah. The anticipated date for the Kiswah raising this year is the 20th of Dhul Qadah.