MECCA, SAUDI ARABIA – Coinciding with the first day of Muharram 1448 AH, a sacred tradition unfolded at Masjid al-Haram as the Kaaba received its new Kiswah, drawing crowds of pilgrims who gathered to witness the revered annual ceremony.
The event, which marks the beginning of the new Hijri year, took place after Isha prayers. Specialized teams from the General Presidency for the Affairs of the Two Holy Mosques carefully removed sections of the old black silk cover and installed the fresh Kiswah, embroidered with intricate Quranic verses in gold and silver threads.
Pilgrims filled the Grand Mosque, many holding up smartphones to capture the moment as the new fabric was adjusted over the structure. The ceremony began earlier in the day with preparatory steps, including the installation of base ropes and the unstitching of the old Kiswah’s sides, culminating around midnight.
The Kiswah, traditionally made from high-quality black silk, is replaced each year to honor the holiest site in Islam. It is crafted by skilled artisans in Saudi Arabia and weighs approximately 850 kilograms. The old Kiswah is typically cut into pieces and distributed as gifts to dignitaries, museums, and Islamic centers worldwide.
Saudi Arabia’s Supreme Court confirmed the sighting of the Muharram crescent on June 15, officially setting June 16 as the start of 1448 AH. Leaders across the Muslim world have extended greetings for a year filled with peace, blessings, and prosperity.
This centuries-old ritual symbolizes renewal, reverence, and unity for Muslims globally as they enter the new Islamic year. Muharram is a sacred month of reflection, with the Day of Ashura observed later this month on June 25.
The video circulating on social media from the scene shows the emotional atmosphere inside the Haram, with devotees surrounding the Kaaba in prayer and awe during the draping process.
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