What does Kiswah mean?

In Islamic terminology, Kiswah refers to the black cloth that covers the Kaaba, the sacred building located in the middle of the Grand Mosque in Mecca, Saudi Arabia. It is a significant part of Islamic tradition and plays an essential role in the pilgrimage to Mecca, known as Hajj.

The Kiswah is a long, wide piece of silk fabric embroidered with verses from the Quran and decorated with golden thread. It is made up of several black curtains that are stitched together and draped over the Kaaba each year, during the month of Dhu al-Hijjah, which is the final month of the Islamic lunar calendar and when the Hajj takes place.

The process of making the Kiswah is a special ceremony that has been followed for centuries. It is traditionally created by skilled artisans in Saudi Arabia. The fabric is usually provided by the government, and the embroidery work is done by hand with intricate designs and calligraphy using gold and silver threads.

Once the Kiswah is completed, it is placed on the Kaaba on the 9th day of Dhu al-Hijjah, which corresponds to the day of Arafah during Hajj. The old Kiswah is then removed, cut into small pieces, and often distributed among Muslims as a blessed souvenir.

The Kiswah is a symbol of the sanctity and reverence associated with the Kaaba and acts as a reminder of the unity of the Muslim Ummah (community). Its black color signifies simplicity, modesty, and humility.

It is important to note that the Kiswah is a physical object and should not be worshipped or considered divine in any way. The true significance lies in the Kaaba itself, as it is considered the holiest site in Islam and the direction towards which Muslims pray during their daily prayers (Salah).