Prepared with 10 Months of Arduous Devotion, the Kiswah (Kaaba Cloth) to be Changed at Midnight Monday

Khuram Shahzad

MAKKAH MUKARRAMAH, Jun 14 (APP):In a profound manifestation of reverence and devotion, the Holy Kaaba will be adorned with its new ‘The Kiswah’  on the night of Monday, June 15, 2026. Crafted through ten months of relentless day-and-night toil, unmatched craftsmanship, and deep spiritual dedication, this sacred masterpiece is now ready for its historic unveiling.

Prior to the Hajj season, Saudi Arabia had extended a rare privilege to media representatives from 27 Islamic nations to witness the unique, intricate, and highly precise technical stages of its creation.

The moment has now arrived to bring that months-long spiritual journey to fruition. Commencing precisely at 12:00 AM midnight, the ceremony promises to be a deeply moving and soul-stirring spectacle for the entire Muslim Ummah.

The General Authority for the Care of the Affairs of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque announced the detailed schedule on its  ‘X’ handle, stating that the replacement of the Kiswah will be executed in meticulous, consecutive phases starting right after the Asr prayer on Monday. This initial phase involves installing the Shadharawan rings (base ropes) and safely removing the Kaaba’s door curtain. Following the Isha prayer, the seams of the old Kiswah will be carefully unstitched, setting the stage for the main ceremony at midnight (12:00 AM), when the old cloth will be brought down and the new Kiswah will be majestically raised over the Holy Kaaba.

To ensure global coverage of this grand spiritual event, the Saudi General Authority for Media Regulation had organized an exclusive study tour of the “King Abdulaziz Complex for Holy Kaaba Kiswah” ahead of the Hajj season for a delegation of journalists from 27 Islamic countries, including Khuram Shahzad, representing Pakistan’s state news agency, the Associated Press of Pakistan (APP). The core objective of the visit was to demonstrate to the world that this sacred cover is not merely a fabric, but a living testament to Islamic fine art and deep spiritual devotion, seamlessly weaving traditional hand-craftsmanship with modern technology. The visiting journalists witnessed firsthand the extraordinary skill of the artisans who have poured their hearts and souls into this blessed task over the past 10 months.

During the briefing, Kiswah Complex officials informed the media delegation that the creation of the Kiswah is a rigorous ten-month process, spanning intricate stages of silk purification, dyeing, calligraphy, and meticulous embroidery. Every single step is carried out with a profound sense of religious responsibility and spiritual alignment.

To illuminate and elevate the Quranic verses inscribed upon the cloth, threads of pure gold and silver are utilized, ensuring that the embroidery remains durable, pristine, and luminous against weather variations throughout the year.

While state-of-the-art ‘Jacquard’ technology is employed for the foundational weave, the delicate art of raising the embossed calligraphy (relief embroidery) is performed entirely by hand by master Saudi craftsmen, adding an incomparable layer of uniqueness and beauty. The 14-meter-long Kiswah comprises five distinct sections the four walls and the elegant door curtain (Al-Burqu’) underlaid with a robust cotton lining to provide enduring strength and structural durability.

According to Saudi broadcasting networks, this prestigious annual ceremony will be live-streamed across the globe using advanced ultra-high-definition cameras installed within the Grand Mosque, allowing millions of Muslims worldwide to virtually partake in and witness this magnificent, faith-rejuvenating moment.