The cover of the Kaaba was transformed due to Muharram’s sighting of the moon. And the beginning of the new Islamic year.
With the arrival of Hijri in 1446, Muharram al-Haram. Masjid al-Haram management. The General Presidency of Holy Mosques Affairs in Makkah al-Mukarramah replaced the cloth covering the Kaaba.
Technicality plus Spirituality
Approximately one hundred fifty-nine technical experts and laborers changed this cover. They created the new shape for the cover of the Kaaba, providing spiritual views for worshippers at Masjid al-Haram. In this highly emotional event, many thousands of worshippers and Pilgrims came out to participate.
Historical Backgrounds versus Ritual Importance
The first day of the new Islamic year is the customary date. Every annual occasion must be celebrated to replace Kaabas’ covering. Over centuries, it was not before Fajr on 9th Dhu al-Hijjah that Muslims started their journey to Arafat, leaving their tents on the plain.
Designing and Crafting
Kaabas’ new cover comprises four panels, including Star Gate motifs, during the replacement process.They put each piece on top one after another and remove them three times in succession until the final removal. Then, they change them with fresh ones until they secure them.
Craftsmanship Specifics
After they stitched together five different parts, they made up the Kaaba cover using copper sewing needles, starting from below. As for weight, the said 1446 Hijri year’s cloth weighs around 850kg. And measures almost 14m tall by about 98 cm wide. The workers dyed nearly 670kg of black silks within King Abdulaziz Complex. And thus prepared for use as a cover in Mecca/Ka’bah.
Ornamentation against Symbolism
The Kaaba cover has Quranic verses woven with gold and silver thread on its surface. This process consumes 120kg of gold and 100kg of silver.
This annual ritual honors tradition and symbolizes unity and spiritual renewal within the Islamic community. It highlights the meticulous craftsmanship and deep spiritual significance of the Kaaba, Islam’s holiest site.
