The term Kiswah(الكِسوة), often referred to as the sacred cloth that covers the Kaaba, is far more than fabric. It is a blessed garment woven with devotion, artistry, and history, draped over the most revered structure in Islam. Its black cloth covering, embroidered with verses of Quran, stands as one of the most extraordinary Islamic traditions, admired by every pilgrim who visits the sacred mosque in Saudi Arabia during Hajj or Umrah.
Kiswah Replacement Ritual
Every year, during the days of Hajj, the Kiswah is ceremonially replaced. On the Day of Arafah, the Kaaba is temporarily draped in a plain white cloth, symbolizing the pilgrims’ ihrām garments and the state of spiritual purity. After Hajj concludes, a new Kiswah silk cloth complete with Qur’anic inscriptions, is placed over the shrine. The cloth that covers the holy Kaaba is then carefully cut into pieces and distributed as keepsakes or relics, treasured by pilgrims and Islamic institutions worldwide.
The Kaaba and Its Symbolism
Standing at the heart of the Grand Mosque, the Kaaba is a cube-shaped structure, about 15 meters high and 12 meters across. Its orientation corresponds to the four cardinal directions, symbolizing universality. For Muslims, it represents the spiritual axis of the world, the Qibla toward which every prayer is directed. Covering this shrine with the Kiswah elevates its sacredness, making the cloth an inseparable part of both the Hajj pilgrimage and the daily spiritual life of Muslims everywhere.
Historical Origins & Evolution
The tradition of draping the Kaaba goes back to before the Islam. In the 5th century CE, King Tubba, a hymarite ruler, draped the Kaaba in striped Yemeni cloth, representing the origin of covering of the holy Kaaba.
Following the conquest of Mecca in 630 CE, the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ added his own Yemeni cloth cover. The practice of adorning the Kiswah evolved over time, with Umar ibn al-Khattab introducing Egyptian cloth (qobati). Eventually the color became the standard during the Abbasid era and has remained ever since so.
Kiswah’s Historical Journey: From Yemen to the Ottomans
Over time, the Kiswah evolved into a masterpiece of Islamic craftsmanship. Each dynasty that ruled over Makkah left its mark on the covering. The Umayyads initiated the use of higher-quality textiles, the kiswah was manufactured in Egypt while the Abbasid Caliph introduced more elaborate designs. The Mamluks and Ottomans expanded this further by commissioning skilled artisans to weave fabrics of fine silk, embroidered with Quranic verses in threads of gold and silver.
By the Ottoman era, the Kaaba Kiswa became a highly organized project involving hundreds of craftsmen. Special workshops were dedicated solely to its production, where master embroider perfected the use of red brocade to enhance its elegance. The iconic designs and the quality transformed the Kiswah into a stunning blend of devotion and artistry.
The Symbolism of Calligraphy and Brocade
A defining feature of the Kiswah is its calligraphy. Verses from the Quran, including Surah Ikhlas and Ayat al-Kursi, are embroidered in striking golden script across the cloth. This is not merely decoration, it reflects the profound spiritual messages that guide Muslims in their worship. The words stand out against the deep black silk, creating an aura of reverence and beauty.
The use of this adds further richness to the Kiswah. A fabric woven with gold and silver threads, elevates the garment from a simple covering to a regal attire. The golden embroidery symbolizes divine light, while the strength of the silk kiswah conveys durability and timelessness. Together, they create a cloth that embodies both majesty and humility.
The Sitara: The Golden Door Curtain
One of the most striking elements of the Kiswah is the Sitara, the ornate curtain that hangs over the doors of the Kaaba, Unlike the rest of the Kiswah, which is replaced annually, it is often preserved as a treasured antiquity due to it’s intricate design and craftmanship. Decorated with layers of embossed silk and Quranic verses. The Sitara for the door stands as the center direction of devotion, capturing the gaze of pilgrims as they enter the scared mosque.
Historically, It has been gifted to rulers, mosques, and Islamic institutions worldwide, representing a shared reverence for the Kaaba. Today it remains one of the most admired aspects of the Kiswa, carrying the legacy of timeless devotion and skill.
Production of the Modern Kiswah
In the modern era, the kiswah is produced in a specialized factory in Makkah, established by King Abdul aziz in 1927. This factory employs hundreds of skilled artisans who dedicate their lives to preserving this scared journey. The production is both meticulous and spiritual beginning with the weaving of silk and ending with hand-embroidered with Quranic verses.
The fabric is dyed black and then embroidered with gold and silver-plated threads, creating the distinctive patterns of calligraphy and decorative motifs. Nearly 670 kilograms of silk and over 100 kilograms of gold and silver threads are used in the making of each Kiswah.
The Kiswa is replaced annually on the 9th of dul hijjah, coinciding with the Day of Arafah during Hajj. The old Kiswah is cut into pieces and distributed to dignitaries, scholars, and museums across the Muslim world, preserving the cloth as a sacred relic.
Spiritual and Symbolic Significance
For pilgrims, the sight of the Kiswah inspires awe and reflection. It represents the unity of the Muslim Ummah
as it is funded and maintained through collective devotion. The intricate calligraphy reminds believers of God’s words, while the heavy silk used to cover the Kaaba symbolizes protection and sanctity.
The Kiswah also embodies continuity, the link between pre-Islamic traditions, the Prophet’s practice, and the ongoing devotion of Muslim rulers throughout history. From the woolen cloths of Yemen to the golden-embroidered brocade of today, the Kiswah reflects an unbroken tradition of honoring the House of Allah.
Conclusion
The Kiswah is not merely a cloth, it is a sacred garment that has evolved through centuries of devotion, craftsmanship, and reverence. From its origins in Yemen to its present-day production in Makkah, the Kiswah reflects the Islamic values of unity, respect, and artistry. The Qur’anic inscriptions, the elegance of woven black silk, and the shining Sitara together transform it into a garment of both faith and beauty.
As pilgrims from around the world circle the Kaaba during Hajj and Umrah, the Kiswah serves as a powerful reminder: while dynasties, empires, and artisans may change, the devotion to Allah and the sanctity of the original Kaaba remain eternal, uniting every generation through the sacred act of pilgrimage.
