On July 10, 2025 (15 Muharram 1447), Saudi officials wrapped up the annual cleaning of the Kaaba.
The procedure began after dawn prayers under the direction of His Royal Highness Prince Saud bin Mishal bin Abdulaziz, Deputy Governor of Makkah and Vice Chairman of the Central Hajj Committee, acting for Saudi Arabia’s monarch and Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques.
Workers utilized forty liters of Zamzam water combined with 540 milliliters of liquid derived from hand-picked Taif roses.
This mixture incorporated 24 milliliters of concentrated Taif rose essence, 24 milliliters of premium oud oil, and 3 milliliters of musk.
Prince Saud applied the prepared blend to the Kaaba’s interior surfaces using cotton cloths while religious authorities observed the process. Following the interior cleansing, workers addressed the exterior walls.
Authorities placed barriers around the Kaaba approximately 30 minutes before Isha prayers (8:30 PM local time) on 14 July 2025. These barriers remained until completion of the washing ceremony the following morning after sunrise.
At 9:20 PM, workers began raising the Kiswa curtain covering the Kaaba’s door to facilitate next-day access. This procedure extended beyond two hours and included thorough cleaning of the door itself. For several subsequent hours, worshippers observed the uncovered golden doors until Fajr prayers commenced with the curtain still elevated.
Security personnel entered the Mataf area at 5:14 AM, forming protective lines around the Kaaba ahead of the washing delegation’s arrival. Workers positioned the ceremonial stairs against the Kaaba’s entrance shortly afterward.
The cleansing commenced with international delegates participating alongside Saudi officials. Attendees included Sheikh Badr Al Turki (Imam of Al Masjid Al Haram), Sheikh Quraafi, Sheikh Budair, and Sheikh Barhajji.
Participants wiped the interior walls with rose water, applied rose-scented perfume, and distributed Bukhoor incense.
Security staff joined the washing under supervision of the Deputy Caretaker of the Kaaba, whose family holds the historic keys to the sanctuary.
Following the ceremony, several delegates kissed the Black Stone and performed Tawaf. Some seized the rare opportunity to pray inside the Kaaba itself.
Workers initiated lowering the Kiswa curtain before 8:00 AM. Between 9:16 AM and 9:19 AM—nearly 13 hours after initial closure—authorities permitted public access to the Kaaba’s eastern side, concluding the annual ritual.
Support the officially authentic Islamic website.
Support our mission to spread Islamic knowledge. Your donation helps our volunteer writers and infrastructure. Contribute now.
Discover more from The Islamic Information
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
