Mecca: Annual Kaaba Washing Ritual Held; Holy Site Purified with Rose Water, Zamzam

By Khuram Shahzad

MAKKAH MUKRRAMAH, Jun 30 (APP): Deputy Governor Prince Saud bin Mishal bin Abdulaziz performed the prestigious ritual of washing Holy Kaaba here at the Grand Mosque in Mecca on Tuesday.

He performed the annual ceremony on behalf of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud.

The event was attended by members of the royal family, senior officials from the General Presidency for the Affairs of the Two Holy Mosques, and ambassadors from Islamic nations. The ceremony commenced with the arrival of the Deputy Governor and dignitaries at the Grand Mosque, where they performed the circumambulation (Tawaf) of the Kaaba and kissed the Black Stone (Hajar al-Aswad), before ascending into the holy structure as its historic door was opened in coordination with its traditional custodians.

To cleanse the inner chambers of the holy site, the administration utilized a specially prepared mixture consisting of 15 liters of Zamzam water, 15 liters of rose water, 15 liters of rose oil, and 100 ml of premium oud oil. The dignitaries used white cloths and palm fronds to meticulously clean and perfume the interior walls, pillars, and floors of the Kaaba.

This spiritual annual ritual follows a centuries-old tradition of purification, commemorating the eternal Sunnah established by Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) during the Conquest of Mecca.

While the ritual was being performed inside the Holy Kaaba, thousands of Umrah pilgrims and worshippers gathered in the courtyard (Mataf), watching the sacred sight with profound emotion as the scent of oud and rose water filled the air across the entire Grand Mosque.

On this occasion, leadership from the holy mosques offered special prayers for the peace, safety, and unity of the Muslim Ummah. Following the dignified conclusion of the ceremony, the door of the Kaaba was traditionally locked once again.