The Kaaba, the holiest building in Mecca, has been a pivotal point for pilgrimage, drawing millions of Muslims from all corners of the globe to offer prayers, perform pilgrimages, and seek Allah’s blessings and forgiveness. The cubical building is draped in a magnificent cloth called Kiswa; the holy Kaaba becomes more visually appealing and symbolically significant. Exploring the rich history, meaning, and replacement ceremony of the Kiswa can deepen your understanding of Islamic traditions and enrich your pilgrimage experiences, especially if you are travelling with the best Hajj Packages from Canada. As pilgrims securing the best Hajj Packages 2024 embark on the sacred journey, the Kiswa magnificently draped over the Kaaba reminds us that the House belongs to none other than Allah Almighty and the unity that Muslims from every corner of the globe are coming wearing the same attire and performing same rituals.
What is Kiswa?
Kiswa is the name of a beautifully embroidered cloth that entirely covers the Kaaba building, which is nestled in the center of the Masjid Al-Haram, Mecca. Kiswa is an Arabic word that means ‘pall,’ meaning a sheet or cloth draped over a casket or box. The cloth that is used to make Kiswa is made from top-quality silk; on the top of the Kiswa, another piece of cloth is attached featuring Quranic verses weaved using gold and silver threads. It covers a 658 sqm area, and 137 workers take eight months to complete the Kiswa. This symbol of reverence weighs about 670 Kg and uses 15 kg of gold threads. Pilgrims securing Hajj Packages from Canada can better understand the Kiswa through a knowledgeable guide in their package.
History and Origin of Kiswa
Covering the Kaaba has a long history that traces its roots back to Prophet Ibrahim (AS) time when Allah ordered Prophet Ibrahim to build the Kaaba with his son Ismail as a place of worship; after completing the structure, Prophet Ibrahim covered the building with pieces of clothes. Since then, covering the Kaaba has been practiced. Over the centuries, the Kaaba underwent several renovations and rebuilds, as the building was greatly damaged by flooding and other factors. Because of its high importance, every year, the Kiswa cloth is replaced with the new Kiswa to keep the House of Allah clean and visually appealing. Every year, in preparation for the Hajj season, the lower portion of the Kiswa is raised approximately three meters. A white cloth is then draped over the exposed area. This practice helps to preserve the Kiswa. During Hajj, the large crowds of pilgrims, filled with reverence, may unintentionally touch or pull on the black cloth, leading to minor damage or soiling. Raising the Kiswa minimizes this risk and ensures the cloth remains in its best condition. Pilgrims from Canada, travelling with Hajj Packages from Canada understand the importance of preserving the sanctity and integrity of the Kiswa, contributing to the collective effort to maintain its untouched state.
It is believed that after Prophet Muhammad PBUH conquered Makkah, an accident burned the Kiswa. After this incident, Prophet Muhammad PBUH asked to cover the Kaaba with a cloth given by the Yemen. During the reigns of four Caliphs, the ceremony of replacing the Kiswa was undertaken by the state. At that time, Egypt was given the responsibility to design the Kiswa because of its expertise in weaving complex and beautifully intricate designs. After the Caliphs era, great care was taken during the Ottoman Empire in crafting the Kiswa. In the Ottoman era, Kiswa was made from black silk, and since then, it has become a practice to use black colour cloth for draping the Kaaba. Hajj Packages from Canada recommends learning about the history of Kiswa to better understand Islamic culture and tradition. It is believed that the Kiswa glorifies the beauty of Kaaba.
Intricate Design and Quranic Verses
The Kiswa, a cloth of profound spiritual significance, is more than a mere adornment for the Kaaba. The intricate calligraphy and Quranic verses, woven with threads of gold and silver, transform the Kiswa into a powerful symbol of faith. The Quranic verses, embroidered on the Kiswa, serve as a constant reminder to Muslims that they stand not before a mere structure but before the House of Allah Himself. As pilgrims from all corners of the world embark on their spiritual journey with the best Hajj packages 2024, the sight of the Kiswa draped over the Kaaba deepens their connection to the sacredness of the pilgrimage, instilling a sense of reverence and devotion.
The Ceremony of Replacing the Kiswa
Every year, on the 9th of Dhul Hijjah, the peak season of Hajj, the old Kiswa is replaced with the new one. The old Kiswa has been removed and carefully replaced with a new one. Skilled workers take part in the ceremony to ensure that the Kiswa cloth is precisely positioned and fixed properly. Pilgrims securing all-inclusive Hajj Packages from Canada can witness the beautiful ceremony and get a chance to see the magnificent Kaaba structure. According to the traditions, the old Kiswa that was replaced is carefully cut into pieces, and then these pieces are given to organizations and Muslim dignitaries who visit the Kaaba.
Planning your Pilgrimage with Hajj Packages from Canada
Hajj is a spiritually transformative journey for Muslims worldwide. Best Hajj Packages 2024 are meticulously crafted to help pilgrims navigate Hajj processes and rituals easily. In Canada, you will find many Hajj tour operators offering various Hajj Packages from Canada; choose the package that best aligns with your needs and travel preferences. When selecting the best Hajj Packages 2024, make sure the package includes comfortable accommodations in Mecca, Mina and Madinah, efficient transportation, knowledgeable guidance, and the inclusion of pre-Hajj workshops and sessions about Islamic traditions and Hajj rituals.