Annual Change of Kaaba's Kiswa Marks Arrival of Hijri Year 1445
The annual change of the Kaaba's cover took place in Saudi Arabia on Wednesday, marking the beginning of the month of Muharram in the Islamic calendar. This intricate process involved 130 technicians and manufacturers who carefully replaced the old cloth in 10 steps with a new handmade Kiswa.
The Kiswa, made up of black-dyed and perfumed silk, was meticulously sewn together using the world's largest sewing machine. Some sections of the fabric were adorned with hand-embroidered gold wires featuring verses from the Quran. Old sections are treated with reverence and respect, and make for cherished keepsakes.
The replacement process was overseen by a specialized team, who meticulously worked on 56 gold-embroidered pieces. Each piece required 60 to 120 days to complete, showcasing the intricate craftsmanship and devotion involved.
On Tuesday, Saudi Arabia's Supreme Court announced that Wednesday would mark the beginning of the Islamic new year 1445. The decision was made as the moon-sighting committees did not observe the crescent in the Kingdom on July 17, Monday, Dhul Hijjah 29. As a result, Tuesday was designated as the last day of Dhul Hijjah, and the month of Muharram commenced on Wednesday.
The term "Hijri" refers to the Hijra, which signifies the migration of Prophet Muhammad and his followers from Makkah to Madinah in 622 AD.
The Islamic lunar calendar consists of twelve months beginning with Muharram and ending with Dhul Hijjah. Each month begins with the sighting of the new moon.
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Pictures: Saudi Press Agency
