Custodian of Holy Kaaba passes away

Long-time custodian and key holder of the Holy Kaaba Dr. Saleh bin Zain al-Abidin Al-Shaibi has passed away.

According to Saudi media, Saleh had been suffering from a prolonged illness. He was the 109th key holder of the Kaaba.

Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman expressed their condolences over his passing.

According to a post on X, his funeral prayer will be held in Masjid Al Haram and will be laid to rest in Al Mualla Cemetery.

Last year, he met the top Pakistani leadership during his six-day visit.

The honour of serving as the custodian of the Kaaba has been held by the al-Shaibi family for centuries.

His duties were to care and maintenance of the Kaaba, opening and closing its doors, washing it, preparing and repairing the Kiswa (the covering of the Kaaba) as needed.

The next guardian will continue to be from the Al Shaiba Family, according to a post on X by an official handle, Inside the Haramain.