Kiswa is the cloth covering the Kaaba which is famous for its black color. But in its history, Kiswa was not always black as it has changed over the centuries. Prophet ﷺ covered the Kaaba with a cloth from Yemen when He performed the farewell pilgrimage.
The Kiswa of the Kaaba is a beautifully embroidered cloth used to cover the Kaaba, the central building in the Masjid-al-Haram located in Makkah, Saudi Arabia. According to Islamic customs, the old Kiswa cloth is replaced with a new one each year on the First of muharram. Which is the start of Islamic new year. This tradition of draping the new cloth over the Kaaba annually holds immense importance in Islam. Moreover, it symbolizes the devotion and commitment of millions of Muslims.
The Kiswa can be thought of as a curtain or piece of fabric that conceals the Holy Kaaba, the most revered sanctuary for Muslims. The term “Kiswa” translates to “pall” in Arabic, referring to the cloth covering a casket. Made from high-quality silk, the Kiswa cloth is adorned with verses from the Quran woven into its design using threads of gold and silver.
It spans an area of around 658 square meters. It requires approximately 137 skilled workers and eight months of laborious effort to complete. The cover weighs about 670 kilograms and incorporates 15 kilograms of gold threads. The Kiswa holds deep significance in Muslim culture, serving as a symbol of the sacredness and holiness of the Kaaba.
History of Draping The Kaaba
As per Islamic history, Prophet Ismail (AS) is believed to have been the first to drape the Holy Kaaba. Yet, with the rise of Islam, supplying the cloth for the Kiswah became a way for rulers to assert their control over Makkah, Saudi Arabia.
Many Muslims believe that the Kaaba didn’t have a covering (Kiswa) until the time of King Tubba Abu Karab Asad from the Himyarite Kingdom. He’s thought to be the first to dress the holy Kaaba. His successors carried on this practice as a religious duty.
During Prophet Muhammad’s time, it’s believed that he and the Muslims in Makkah didn’t have the opportunity to cover the Kaaba until 630 AD. As the Quraysh, the dominant tribe, didn’t allow them this privilege. After the Muslims successfully took over Makkah, the ceremony of replacing the covering wasn’t held until an incident where a woman accidentally set the Kiswa on fire while praying. However, this prompted Prophet Muhammad to cover the Kaaba with a cloth from Yemen.
Different Colors of Kiswa
Over time, the colors and materials of the Kiswa have changed as follows:
- During the time of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), the Kiswah was made from striped Yemeni cloth in red and white.
- During the leadership of Hazrat Abu Bakr (RA), Hazrat Umar (RA), and Hazrat Usman (RA), the Kiswa was crafted from white Egyptian cloth.
- In the era of Abdullah bin Zubair (RA), a red brocade Kiswa covered the Holy Kaaba.
- During the Seljuk period, a Kiswa in a golden-brown hue was used.
- In the time of Abbasid Caliph Al-Nasir, the color was green.
- From the time of Caliph Al-Nasir until now. A black silk cloth adorned with golden embroidery is used for the Kiswa. This silk comes from Italy.
Ultimately, black was selected towards the conclusion of the Abbasid period. Due to its durability and ability to withstand contact from visitors, pilgrims, and individuals of diverse global backgrounds.
