The washing ceremony of the Holy Kaaba was carried out on Sunday by Deputy Gov. of Makkah Prince Saud bin Mishal bin Abdulaziz on behalf of King Salman, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
Upon his arrival at the Grand Mosque, he was received by Dr. Tawfiq Al-Rabiah, minister of Hajj and Umrah and chairman of the board of directors of the General Authority for the Care of the Two Holy Mosques, along with Sheikh Dr. Abdulrahman Al-Sudais, president of religious affairs at the Grand Mosque and Prophet’s Mosque.
Upon his arrival, the deputy governor washed the interior of the Holy Kaaba with Zamzam water mixed with rose water. Afterward, he performed two rak’ahs of Tawaf.
Al-Sudais said that washing the Holy Kaaba is an Islamic tradition, a prophetic Sunnah, and a reflection of Saudi leadership on the global stage.
He added: “God has blessed this country with the honor of serving and caring for the Two Holy Mosques and their visitors, establishing the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia as the leader in this noble duty.
“This occasion is cherished by Muslims and the people of our country, as God has honored the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, its leadership, and its citizens with this privilege.”
He expressed his gratitude to the king and crown prince on the occasion and commended their provision of comprehensive services to worshipers and Umrah pilgrims.
Dr. Fawaz Al-Dahas, history professor at Umm Al-Qura University, told Arab News that “washing the Kaaba is a great honor that the Kingdom’s government performs every year. This exceptional event is an unparalleled honor, showcasing the Kingdom’s dedication and reverence for the holiest site on Earth.”
He explained that during this event, the outer covering, or kiswa, of the Kaaba is removed, and the inner walls are cleaned using Zamzam water mixed with rose water from Taif, along with the finest perfumes. Pieces of white cloth moistened with this mixture are used to wipe the inner walls and floor. After the cleaning process is completed, the Kaaba is covered again.
Dr. Ayed Al-Zahrani, professor of Islamic history, told Arab News that washing the Kaaba is a sacred Islamic tradition carried out annually in the month of Muharram.
He noted that the event is attended by senior state officials, including the governor of Makkah or his representative, along with prominent Islamic figures from around the world.
“The ceremony holds symbolic significance, representing moral and spiritual cleansing in preparation for the Umrah season, ensuring that pilgrims are received in a clean and purified environment,” he said.—SPA
