Every year, millions of Muslims from around the world gather in Makkah to witness the beauty of the Kaaba, Islam’s holiest site. What catches many eyes is not only the sanctity of the structure but the intricate black and gold cloth that covers it, the Kiswah. This majestic cloth, steeped in tradition, devotion, and craftsmanship, symbolizes reverence and divine connection. But how is the Kiswah made, and what makes it so special?
Let’s uncover the details behind the creation of the Kaaba covering cloth, its historical origins, the precise process, and the symbolism that goes into making this remarkable textile.
A Historical Overview of the Kiswah
The tradition of covering the Kaaba is deeply rooted in Islamic history, dating back to the time of Prophet Ismail (AS), who was among the first to place a cloth over the sacred structure. This practice was further established and given religious significance during the lifetime of the Prophet Muhammad (SAW). In the early days, the Kiswah was crafted from basic materials like Yemeni cloth or Egyptian linen, depending on what was accessible and favored by the ruling empires of that era. As Islamic civilization progressed, so did the intricacy and quality of the Kiswah.
Today, the responsibility of creating this revered covering lies with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. A dedicated facility, known as the Kiswah Complex in Makkah, employs skilled artisans and advanced techniques to produce the gold-threaded, hand-embroidered Kiswah annually. This modern approach blends tradition with precision, honoring centuries of devotion and craftsmanship in one of Islam’s most symbolic rituals.
Where Is the Kiswah Made?
The Kiswah is crafted at the Kiswah Factory, officially named the “King Abdulaziz Complex for Manufacturing the Kiswah of the Kaaba”, located in Makkah. This facility employs over 200 skilled artisans, including designers, weavers, dyers, and calligraphers, who work together to complete the cloth on time for the annual Hajj pilgrimage.
The factory combines modern machinery with traditional handcrafting tools to carry out the work. While parts of the cloth are machine-woven, the embroidery, especially the Qur’anic inscriptions, is all completed by hand. This balance of modern efficiency and timeless craftsmanship is to make sure that the final product maintains its sacred quality and meticulous appearance.
Materials Used in the Kaaba Covering Cloth
Crafting the Kaaba covering cloth (Kiswah) is a sacred and highly specialized process, beginning with careful material selection. Each element used contributes to the durability, beauty, and spiritual significance of the final product. Here’s a closer look at what goes into making the Kiswah:
- Pure Silk: The base of the Kiswah is made from high-quality black silk imported from Italy. Once the silk reaches the factory in Makkah, it is dyed black on-site. Around 670 kilograms of raw silk are used in producing each Kiswah, reflecting the scale and care involved in its creation.
- Gold and Silver Thread: The embroidered Qur’anic verses are the most recognizable feature of the Kiswah. These are sewn using threads made of pure silver coated in gold, giving the cloth its shimmering gold appearance. Each year, approximately 120 kilograms of gold and silver thread are used for this purpose.
- Cotton Lining: A thick cotton lining is sewn beneath the silk to provide extra strength and durability, helping the cloth withstand strong desert winds and temperature fluctuations.
- Special Dyes: To maintain the deep black color of the silk and the golden sheen of the embroidery, high-quality, fade-resistant dyes are used. These ensure the Kiswah remains vibrant throughout the year.
- Fire and Weather Resistance: The cloth undergoes fire-resistant and weather-proof treatments to protect it against harsh desert elements like extreme heat, sandstorms, and rain.
These materials collectively uphold the prestige and endurance of the Kaaba’s honored covering.
The Process: How Kiswah Is Made
The process of making the Kiswah takes nearly 8 to 10 months, followed by several weeks of final stitching, assembly, and preparation.
Silk Preparation and Dyeing
The raw silk is first cleaned, softened, and spun into threads. It is then dyed black using high-quality, fade-resistant dyes.
Weaving the Cloth
Modern looms weave the dyed silk into large panels. Each panel measures about 98 cm in width and is woven with intricate jacquard patterns that feature verses of the Qur’an and phrases such as “La ilaha illallah Muhammadur Rasulullah” woven directly into the fabric using black-on-black contrast.
Embroidery with Gold Thread
Expert calligraphers first draw Qur’anic verses by hand. These are then embroidered using the gold thread and silver-plated wire. The letters are thick, raised, and visually striking against the black silk. Some of the prominent verses featured include Ayat al-Kursi and Surah Al-Ikhlas.
Each letter is carefully hand-stitched using a couching method, where gold threads are laid across the fabric and sewn down with finer thread. This method adds depth and durability to the lettering.
Creating the Hizam (Belt)
Among the most striking elements of the Kiswah is the Hizam, a gold-embroidered band that adorns the upper part of the Kaaba. Featuring several extended Qur’anic verses, this intricate section adds both visual beauty and spiritual weight, requiring weeks of detailed craftsmanship to complete.
Final Assembly
The entire Kiswah is made up of 47 separate pieces, which are stitched together to form one large cloth. The finished Kiswah measures approximately 14 meters high and 45 meters wide, enough to fully wrap the four walls of the Kaaba.
Installation Ceremony
The Kiswah is changed annually on the 9th of Dhul-Hijjah, during the Hajj season. After being replaced, the previous Kiswah is respectfully dismantled and divided into sections. These pieces are then gifted to prominent individuals, cultural institutions, and religious organizations around the world as tokens of honor and reverence. The new Kiswah is installed in a deeply spiritual and ceremonial process, attended by caretakers of the Kaaba (the Al-Shaibi family) and officials from the General Presidency for the Affairs of the Two Holy Mosques.
Symbolism Behind the Kiswah
The Kiswah is far more than a decorative cloth. It holds deep emotional and spiritual value for Muslims globally, symbolizing faith, reverence, and the connection between the believer and the House of Allah. Every element of the Kiswah has a purpose rooted in tradition and devotion.
- Black Silk Represents Purity and Solemnity: The use of rich black silk is not just for aesthetics. It symbolizes dignity, humility, and purity, qualities fitting for the covering of Islam’s holiest site.
- Gold Thread in Kiswah Represents Divine Honor: The gold and silver threads in the Qur’anic embroidery highlight the sacredness of the Kaaba, embodying reverence and spiritual prestige.
- Qur’anic Verses Offer Reminders of Faith and Unity: Verses stitched into the Kiswah serve as powerful reminders of submission to Allah and the spiritual unity of Muslims worldwide.
- Annual Replacement Symbolizes Renewal and Service: Replacing the Kiswah each year signifies a continuous effort to honor and serve the sacred site with devotion and care.
- Emotional Connection for Pilgrims: For those who witness the Kaaba in person, the Kiswah’s grandeur often evokes strong feelings of awe, reverence, and spiritual closeness to Allah.
The Cost and Value of the Kiswah
Due to the premium materials and labor-intensive process, the Kiswah is estimated to cost more than 25 million Saudi Riyals (approx. 6.7 million USD) annually. However, the spiritual value it holds for Muslims worldwide is priceless.
Each year, the Saudi government bears the cost as part of its service to the Two Holy Mosques. This reflects the Kingdom’s long-standing role as a custodian of Islamic heritage and tradition.
Global Recognition and Legacy
Many pieces of previous Kiswahs are preserved in museums or displayed in Islamic exhibitions across the world. They serve as historical records of craftsmanship, faith, and devotion.
Furthermore, the factory itself has become a site of Islamic interest. People from all over the world visit the facility to see the full process of Kiswah production, watching how the silk is spun, dyed, and how skilled artisans hand-stitch gold-inscribed Qur’anic verses onto the cloth.
Preserving a Sacred Artform
While the world moves rapidly toward digital processes and automation, the making of the Kiswah remains a mostly manual and deeply traditional craft. Each stitch is made with precision, patience, and purpose, reflecting devotion rather than speed. Skilled artisans, many of whom have inherited this work from their forefathers, dedicate months to weaving, embroidering, and assembling the sacred cloth. Their expertise is not just technical; it carries spiritual weight, passed down through generations to keep the tradition alive. The Kiswah holds deeper meaning than simply being a covering; it reflects centuries of faith, tradition, and expert craftsmanship.
In Conclusion
The Kiswah represents dedication, artistry, and spiritual identity. Far beyond fabric, it symbolizes unity, legacy, and deep respect for the Kaaba. For those visiting Makkah for Hajj or Umrah, seeing the Kaaba adorned in the Kiswah is a powerful and lasting memory.
Planning your next pilgrimage? Three N Travel & Tourism LLC is here to offer the best Hajj and Umrah services with trusted expertise and smooth arrangements. As a leading spiritual travel agency, we offer a wide range of Hajj and Umrah packages from Dubai designed for your comfort and peace of mind. Reach out today for booking or details!
