JEDDAH: Every year, the old black silk cloth that covers the Kaaba is removed and a new one is draped on the 9th day of the Islamic month of Dhu Al-Hijjah, which falls on Monday Aug 20 this year.
Known in Arabic as the “Kiswa,” the black and gold cloth that is wrapped around the Kaaba gets replaced once a year during the Hajj season.
The move occurs when pilgrims head to Mount Arafat to witness a key ritual during pilgrimage. The older kiswa is removed and replaced with a new one.
On Sunday, a team of technicians are assigned to conduct the task, by lifting the gold- embroidered pieces from the kiswa corners.
This includes lifting the curtain draped over the Kaaba’s door, which is embroidered from pure gold.
It also includes four panels inscribed with Surat Al-Ikhlas [a Qur’anic verse] placed in every corner of the Kaaba and lanterns inscribed with Qur’anic verses hanging in its interior.
The delicate task is carried as per an operational plan to re-adorn the Kaaba with the new kiswa, said Ahmad bin Mohammad Al Masnouri, the head of the King Abdulaziz Complex for the Holy Kaaba Kiswah.
Process to place the Holy Kaaba’s new ‘Kiswa’ begins for Hajj 2018
Process to place the Holy Kaaba’s new ‘Kiswa’ begins for Hajj 2018
Madinah governor hosts Eid Al-Adha reception, highlights Hajj services
- The governor praised the facilities and services provided to pilgrims performing Hajj and commended the efforts of the relevant authorities
MADINAH: Madinah Gov. Prince Salman bin Sultan received well-wishers celebrating Eid Al-Adha and reaffirmed the Kingdom’s dedication to serving pilgrims and maintaining the Two Holy Mosques.
During the reception, the governor underscored the commitment of King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to ensuring exceptional care for pilgrims visiting Islam’s most sacred sites.
The ceremony drew a diverse gathering, including senior clerics, government ministers, tribal chiefs, local officials and citizens, who came to offer their best wishes to the prince.
The governor praised the facilities and services provided to pilgrims performing Hajj and commended the efforts of the relevant authorities.
Saudi crown prince praises efforts behind Hajj success
- Prince Mohammed also praised the dedication of government employees and volunteers across all sectors
MINA: Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on Friday lauded the success of this year’s Hajj season, crediting it to the Kingdom’s commitment to serving the Two Holy Mosques and the pilgrims who visit them, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
“The continued success we witnessed today in serving the Guests of God is the result of our blessed country’s efforts in serving the Two Holy Mosques, the holy sites and their visitors,” the crown prince said.
“We will continue to exert all efforts to provide comfort to the Guests of God.”
His remarks came during a reception held at the Royal Court in Mina Palace, where he received Eid Al-Adha well-wishers on behalf of King Salman.
The gathering included senior princes, the Kingdom’s Grand Mufti, high-ranking officials, military commanders involved in the Hajj operation and guests from Gulf Cooperation Council countries.
The crown prince also praised the dedication of government employees and volunteers across all sectors for their role in enabling pilgrims to complete their Hajj rituals safely and peacefully.
Saudi authorities crack down on illegal Hajj entry
- Penalties include imprisonment, fines of up to SR100,000 ($26,600), public naming of violators, deportation of residents, and a 10-year re-entry ban after sentencing
MAKKAH: The Hajj Security Forces at Makkah’s entrances arrested 18 residents and 31 citizens for transporting 197 individuals without Hajj permits, the Saudi Press Agency reported Friday.
The Ministry of Interior issued administrative decisions through seasonal committees against the transporters, their accomplices, and the unauthorized pilgrims.
Penalties include imprisonment, fines of up to SR100,000 ($26,600), public naming of violators, deportation of residents, and a 10-year re-entry ban after sentencing.
The ministry also called for the confiscation of vehicles used in unauthorized transport and fines of up to SR20,000 for those attempting Hajj without a permit.
In a separate incident, security forces arrested 119 expatriates holding visit visas for violating Hajj regulations by attempting to enter Makkah on foot via a desert route.
All involved individuals were referred to the relevant authorities for legal action, the SPA reported.
Authorities also arrested an Indonesian resident for transporting 24 residents and 23 expatriates with visit visas, attempting to enter Makkah without permits. All were referred to the competent authority.
Earlier, the ministry urged full compliance with Hajj regulations to ensure pilgrim safety and reminded the public that entering Makkah without a Hajj permit from April 29 to June 10 is prohibited.
Hajj guests praise Saudi dedication to Islam, Muslims
- This year, the Two Holy Mosques Program for Hajj and Umrah is hosting 2,443 pilgrims from 100 countries
MAKKAH: Guests of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Program for Hajj and Umrah have praised Saudi Arabia’s unwavering dedication to Islam and Muslims.
Implemented by the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, the program’s invitation to diverse communities highlights the Kingdom’s commitment to enabling more Muslims to perform Hajj with ease and tranquility.
Pilgrims from Bangladesh and Sri Lanka said the program had a significant humanitarian impact and reflected the Kingdom’s global outreach.
They lauded Saudi Arabia’s rapid infrastructure development, particularly in Makkah and Madinah, which has substantially increased capacity for pilgrims.
The guests commended the exceptional services, meticulous organization and high-quality infrastructure in Mina, Arafat and Muzdalifah.
This year, the program is hosting 2,443 pilgrims from 100 countries, reaffirming Saudi Arabia’s legacy of service to the global Muslim community.
Saudi crown prince meets with Pakistani PM in Mina
- The two leaders exchanged Eid Al-Adha greetings
- They also reviewed regional developments and the efforts being made to enhance security and stability
MINA: Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman met with Pakistan’s Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday at Mina Palace, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
The two leaders exchanged Eid Al-Adha greetings and discussed the longstanding ties between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan, with a focus on strengthening bilateral cooperation across various sectors, SPA added.
They also reviewed regional developments and the efforts being made to enhance security and stability.
The reception was attended by several senior Saudi officials, including Prince Saud bin Mishal bin Abdulaziz, Deputy Governor of Makkah Region; Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Nayef, Minister of Interior; Prince Khalid bin Salman, Minister of Defense; and Prince Faisal bin Farhan, Minister of Foreign Affairs.
Also in attendance were Adel Al-Jubeir, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and Climate Envoy; Minister of Information Salman bin Yousef Al-Dosari; Chief of General Intelligence Khalid bin Ali Al-Humaidan; and Saudi Ambassador to Pakistan Nawaf bin Saeed Al-Maliki.
On the Pakistani side, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Muhammad Ishaq Dar joined the meeting along with Field Marshal Hafiz Syed Asim, Chief of Army Staff and ambassador to Saudi Arabia Ahmed Farooq.
