Video: Removing the covering of the Holy Kaaba in preparation for the Hajj season, and the reason for raising the curtain of the Holy Kaaba in the Hajj season every year

Weather of Arabia - The General President for the affairs of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet's Mosque, Abd al-Rahman al-Sudais, on Saturday supervised the lifting of the Kaaba covering by two meters before the start of the Hajj season for this year.

This process, in addition to the scenting of the Kaaba and the Black Stone, marks the start of the Hajj season by folding the curtain covered with a piece of black silk and inscribed with verses from the Holy Qur’an to protect it from tampering while performing the rituals of Hajj, so that pilgrims can see the curtain of the Kaaba raised.

What is the purpose of raising the covering of the Kaaba in the Hajj season every year?

Historically, this custom has taken place since the beginning of Islam when the means of communication and media were not available. It includes raising the side curtains of the Kaaba when the pilgrimage season begins. The white color is used to announce the entry into force of the fifth pillar of Islam. This was the only way then to indicate the beginning of the performance time.

This custom has continued to this day, but the contemporary reason differs, according to Dr. Muhammad Bajouda, who is in charge of the Kaaba Kiswa Factory. The curtains of the Kaaba are raised these days to protect it from the influx of worshipers and pilgrims to the Grand Mosque and their attempt to approach the Kaaba during the circumambulation during the days of Hajj. Removing the covering of the Kaaba and holding it behind a curtain is a precautionary measure to protect the Kaaba from any damage that may occur due to the overcrowding.