Saudi Gazette report

MAKAKH — The General Presidency for the Affairs of the Two Holy Mosques has folded up the lower part of the kiswa of the Holy Ka’ba by some three meters. The raised part was then covered with a band of white cotton fabric nearly two meters wide from all the four sides, Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported on Friday.

Deputy President for the Affairs of the Two Holy Mosques and Director General of King Abdulaziz Complex for the kiswa of the Holy Ka’ba Ahmed Bin Muhammad Al-Mansouri said that as is customary every year and in line with the approved plan for this year’s Haj season, the presidency has raised the kiswa of the Holy Ka’ba. The task was carried out by a team of 50 specialists and technicians.

This is meant to be a precautionary measure to ensure that the kiswa remains clean, safe and intact and prevent any tampering with it, as large number of pilgrims are keen to touch the kiswa or even cling to its edges hence causing damage to it, Al-Masnouri said.

Al-Masouri stressed that some pilgrims cut some parts of the kiswa or seeking blessings from it are based on wrong beliefs. Due to these reasons, the kiswa has been raised by three meters and tied with pieces of white cloth. The situation will be restored to normal after the end of the Haj season.

He added that a medical team was available at the scene as a precaution in case any of the officials, specialists or technicians needed urgent medical assistance.

Al-Mansouri stressed that the presidency, represented by the King Abdulaziz Complex for the kiswa of the Holy Kaabah, provides great care and attention to the kiswa throughout the year. This is in extension of the care and attention accorded by the rulers of the Kingdom for the Two Holy Mosques, their public utilities and the Holy Ka’ba, he said.