The Kiswah

The Kiswah is the cloth that covered the Holy Kaaba, which is changed every year on the 9th day of Dhul Hijjah or the day during Hajj when the pilgrims leave for the plains of Mount Arafat. The word Kiswah means “pall” or the cloth draped over the casket in Arabic.

After the Kiswah is removed every year, it is cut into small pieces and given to important individuals. The cost of making a Kiswah is about 17 million Saudi Riyals or 4.6 million US Dollars. This 658-square meter cloth is made of 670 kilograms of pure silk and at least 120 kilograms of pure gold and silver threads are used for its embroidery.