What is under the Kiswa? The Kaaba.
The Kiswa is the significant covering placed over the Kaaba. Based on the provided information, the Kiswa (Arabic: كسوة الكعبة; kiswat al-kaaba) is the black silk cloth adorned with verses from the Quran embroidered in gold thread that covers the Kaaba. Therefore, what lies directly beneath this ornate cloth is the Kaaba itself, the central, most sacred structure in Islam.
The Kaaba: The Structure Beneath the Kiswa
The Kaaba is a cubical building located in the heart of the Masjid al-Haram mosque in Mecca, Saudi Arabia. It is the direction towards which Muslims worldwide perform their prayers (Salah).
The Kiswa serves as a beautiful and protective covering for this ancient structure, highlighting its importance and sanctity.
Details About the Kiswa
The provided reference highlights several key aspects of the Kiswa:
- Composition: It is a black silk cloth.
- Decoration: It is adorned with verses from the Quran embroidered in gold thread.
- Function: It covers the Kaaba.
- Maintenance: It is replaced annually.
- Replacement Timing: This replacement occurs during the Hajj season, specifically on the morning of the Day of Arafat, which falls on the ninth of Dhul Hijjah.
The annual process of changing the Kiswa is a ceremonial event, where the old covering is carefully removed and a new one is raised and fitted onto the Kaaba. This ensures the Kaaba is continuously covered by this sacred cloth.
In summary, while the Kiswa is the visible outer covering, the enduring structure underneath is the Kaaba itself.
