Muslims around the world welcomed the Islamic New Year with a beautiful tradition in Makkah. On Monday, June 16, 2026, a new Kiswah was placed over the Holy Kaaba to mark the start of 1448 AH.
The Kiswah is the black silk cloth that covers the Kaaba, the holiest site in Islam. A special team of craftsmen from the King Abdulaziz Complex for Holy Kaaba Kiswah carried out the change carefully after Isha prayer. They first removed parts of the old cover before installing the new one piece by piece.
According to Salah Al-Sulami, head of the Kiswa assembly and sewing department, the new cover is made from embroidered silk panels with beautiful Islamic inscriptions and verses from the Holy Quran in gold and silver threads. It consists of 47 main pieces and includes a decorative belt (hizam). The entire Kiswah weighs over 1,300 kilograms and covers the Kaaba’s four sides.
Craftsmen work for nearly a year to make one Kiswah. It uses about 670 kg of fine silk, mostly imported, plus 120 kg of gold thread and silver for embroidery. The total cost is around 20-25 million Saudi Riyals. This shows the great respect and care given to this holy tradition.
The annual change of the Kiswah is an old custom that brings joy to millions of Muslims. It reminds everyone of the unity and beauty of faith. Many pilgrims and visitors feel blessed to see the Kaaba in its fresh, shining black cover at the start of the new Hijri year.
