Every year on the day of Arafah during Dhul Hijjah, a new black silk cloth that covers the Kabah in Makkah is prepared. This sacred covering, known as the Kiswa, is one of the most iconic symbols of Islam. Behind its beauty lies a detailed process carried out at the King Abdulaziz Complex for Kiswa Production, located in Umm al-Joud, just outside the Makkah. Commonly called the Kiswa factory in Makkah, this site combines centuries-old tradition with modern technology to create the magnificent cloth that millions of pilgrims see every year.
A history of the kiswa factory
For centuries, the responsibility of producing the Kiswa rested with various Muslim rulers, with Egypt’s Dar al-Kiswa once being the most prominent workshop. In 1927, under the directive of King Abdul Aziz, production was permanently moved to Saudi Arabia. This decision ensured that the Kiswa would be crafted locally, within reach of Masjid al-Haram and the Grand Mosque in Makkah, symbolizing both national pride and religious duty. This history of the Kiswa factory also reflects how the factory has evolved under the reign of King Abdulaziz and later leaders.
The Factory Today
The complex is more than a simple workshop. It is the state-of-the-art facility managed by skilled artisans, craftsmen, and technicians who specialize in textiles, and calligraphy. Around two hundred trained workers operate across multiple departments, from weaving and coloring to gold and silver hand embroidery. Each section has a clear role, and together they ensure that the new covering is ready in time for its annual changing ceremony. The kiswah factory also stands as a cultural landmark for the Islamic world.
Materials and Preparation
The making of the Kiswa begins with pure black silk, imported and rigorously tested in the laboratory. Once confirmed for quality, the silk undergoes dyeing, transforming into the deep black shade that symbolizes humility before Allah. Cotton threads are also tested, ensuring durability before weaving.
From here, the silk threads are transferred to jacquard looms, which weave them into cloth panels. Though modern machines speed up weaving, the touch of the craftsmen remains essential, particularly in preparing the fabric for Quranic verses and decorative patterns that adorn the holy Kabah Kiswa.
Quranic Calligraphy
The most striking feature of the Kiswa is its Qur’anic calligraphy. Verses from the holy Quran are selected and carefully written by a master calligrapher before being embroidered onto the fabric with precision. The work uses gold and silver threads, stitched entirely by hand. This stage showcases the dedication of the factory’s artisans, who spend months ensuring every curve of Arabic script is perfect. Panels such as the hizam (belt around the Kabah) and the sitara (the Kabah’s door curtain) carry Islamic calligraphy, phrases like Allahu Akbar, and gold-plated thread, enriching the spiritual significance of the covering.
Stages of Production
The production of the Kiswa unfolds through multiple stages:
- Dyeing: Pure silk threads are dyed black.
- Weaving: Jacquard looms transform threads into cloth panels.
- Laboratory Testing: Ensuring durability and perfection.
- Template Printing: Quranic verses and calligraphy are outlined.
- Embroidery: Artisans hand-stitch gold and silver designs.
- Assembly: Panels are sewn into the full covering of the Kaaba.
This sequence highlights not just the technical process but also the Islamic devotion embedded in every stage. Truly, the Kiswa is made with precision, and each step reflects its spiritual importance.
Human Craft and Spiritual Duty
Though technology aids in weaving, the true essence lies in human craftsmanship. Each mechanic working in the current factory in Mecca is conscious that their hands are creating something that will soon cover the Kaaba, the central point of prayer for Muslims worldwide.
Generations of workers have passed down their skills, and many view their roles as a spiritual responsibility. For every pilgrim performing Hajj or Umrah, the sight of the black cloth and gold Kiswa on the Kaaba reinforces their connection to centuries of tradition. The crafting of the sacred cloth that covers the holy Kaaba reflects deep Islamic heritage.
Installation During Hajj
The climax of this process comes on the ninth day of Dhu al-Hijjah. During the sacred rituals of Hajj and Umrah, the old covering is removed and the new Kiswa is draped over the Kaaba. Muslims witness this moment with awe, as the renewal reflects humility, purity, and submission to Allah. This changing of the Kiswa is supervised under the General Presidency for the Affairs of the Great Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque.
The previous Kiswa is carefully stored and later distributed in sections to dignitaries, masjids, and Islamic institutions, spreading its blessing far beyond Saudi Arabia. The Saudi government ensures the affairs of the Great Mosque are overseen with care, highlighting the importance of this annual changing ceremony.
The Complex as a Cultural Landmark
The King Abdulaziz Complex is not only a production hub but also a cultural center. Visitors can explore exhibitions, watch mechanics at work, and learn about the historic role of the Kiswa in religious heritage. Many Muslims on Umrah tours stop by to see firsthand how the covering is produced before it embraces the Kaaba. Some even make an appointment to visit the Kiswa factory, as group visits are often organized under the Saudi Tourism Authority.
The Abdulaziz Complex for the Holy Kaaba also symbolizes the balance of tradition and innovation. While the weaving benefits from technological advancements, the calligraphy remains purely handcrafted, ensuring authenticity and reverence. It was King Salman bin Abdulaziz who further supported the modern development of the factory under the supervision of the general presidency, continuing what Al Saud rulers established when they first kiswa was made locally.
Symbolism of the Kiswa
Beyond its silk and gold threads, the Kiswa is the black cloth that drapes the Holy Kaaba, serving as a symbol of unity for Muslims worldwide. It reflects humility in its black cloth and the glory of verses embroidered in gold. For muslims gathered at the Great Mosque, the sight of the Kabah’s ghilaf wrapped in the Kiswah represents a profound reminder of Allah’s greatness and the universality of Islam.
Truly, the Kaaba’s covering is tied to both spiritual significance and cultural preservation. The kiswah involves not just fabric but devotion. From gold-plated designs to cotton threads, from the reign of King Abdulaziz to King Salman bin Abdulaziz, it has become a heritage under the affairs of the Grand masjid.
Conclusion
The Kiswa factory in Makkah stands as a shining example of devotion, craftsmanship, and religious heritage. From the silk threads painted black to the golden Quranic calligraphy stitched by skilled workers, every detail reflects centuries of tradition.
Under the guidance of King Abdulaziz’s vision, Saudi Arabia established the first local production hub, ensuring that the Kaaba’s covering would forever remain a locally crafted emblem of faith. Today, as pilgrims arrive annually during the Hajj pilgrimage, the sight of the holy Kaaba Kiswa draped with gold embroidery reminds the world that faith, artistry, and dedication can come together in service to Allah’s house.
