Holy Kaaba gets new Kiswa as Islamic new year begins in Makkah

A new covering, known as the Kiswa, has been placed over the Kaaba in Masjid al-Haram, Makkah Mukarramah, to mark the beginning of the Islamic New Year 1447 Hijri.

This annual event is one of the most honored Islamic traditions. The changing of the Kiswa takes place every year on the 1st of Muharram. The ceremony was carried out on July 7, 2025, with great care and reverence.

The new Kiswa is made of black silk and decorated with 68 Quranic verses. These verses are embroidered on 47 silk pieces using silver threads coated in 24-carat gold. The total weight of the Kiswa is about 1,415 kilograms.

Before placing the new Kiswa, the golden parts of the old one were removed on the 29th of Dhul-Hijjah, after the Asr prayer, according to Saudi officials.

The process of changing the Kiswa is highly spiritual for Muslims. It reflects the deep respect and love Muslims have for the Kaaba, the holiest place in Islam. It is the direction of prayer (Qibla) for Muslims across the world.

Every year, millions of Muslims visit the Kaaba during Hajj and Umrah. They perform Tawaf, the ritual of walking around the Kaaba, as an act of worship and devotion.

This beautiful tradition of renewing the Kiswa shows the strong spiritual connection Muslims have with the House of Allah. The sight of the new Kiswa shining under the sun is a reminder of unity, faith, and tradition for Muslims everywhere.