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For centuries, the members of Qusai bin Kilab bin Murrah have been entrusted with maintenance of Holy Kaaba, including safeguarding its keys. This responsibility passed to the Al-Shaiba tribe, a branch of the bin Murrah family, who were officially given the keys by Prophet Mohammed during the conquest of Makkah.
A recent ceremony was organised in which Sheikh Saleh al-Shaiba received keys to the Kaaba, including the Tawba door that leads to the roof and Maqam Ibrahim.
Historian and Shura Council member Dr. Mohammed al-Zulfah highlighted historical and religious significance of the Kaaba’s key, which is kept in a pouch with green embroidery inscribed with “For God tells you to perform your tasks for the people.”
The key has undergone several changes over the centuries as currently, it is made of nickel plated with 18-carat gold.
Dr. al-Zulfah noted that the key’s design evolves periodically. He mentioned a museum in Turkey that houses 48 Kaaba keys from the Ottoman era, and in Saudi Arabia, there are two replicas made of pure gold. It is a custom for the oldest member of the tribe to keep the key.
