MAKKAH — On behalf of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman, Deputy Emir of Makkah Prince Saud bin Mishaal led the annual ceremonial washing of the Holy Kaaba on Thursday morning. Upon arrival at Islam's holiest shrine, the deputy emir performed the ritual washing of the interior of the Kaaba using Zamzam water mixed with rose water. This was carried out by rubbing the interior walls of the Kaaba with pieces of white cloth dipped in rose and musk perfumes, provided by the General Authority for the Care of the Affairs of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet's Mosque. Several officials, members of the Islamic diplomatic corps accredited to the Kingdom, and keepers of the Kaaba joined the deputy emir in the washing. The annual customary washing of the Kaaba was held as per the example set by Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). It is customary for the Saudi monarch or his representative to wash the Kaaba from inside. The first phase of the ceremonial washing of the Kaaba commenced on Wednesday night with the lifting of the curtain, covering its door. The General Authority for the Care of the Affairs of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet's Mosque emphasized that the purification, honoring, maintenance, and care of the Kaaba have been traditions since the era of modern Saudi Arabia's founder King Abdulaziz. These practices continue under the prosperous reign of King Salman and Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman. The ceremonial washing of the Kaaba begins with sweeping its floor to remove dust and debris. Then, copper vessels are brought, containing a mixture of Zamzam water, fragrant rose essence, aged oil, and premium oud. Cloth pieces are soaked in the mixture and used to wipe the interior walls of the Kaaba. Next, the three pillars inside the Kaaba and the floors are washed, followed by drying them with cloth pieces attached to wooden handles. Finally, the walls are perfumed using the most modern tools to cover the entire interior surface of the Kaaba. The authority has mobilized all necessary technical, service, and human resources for this occasion, supported by engineering and technical teams responsible for extending the Kaaba's staircase. It has harnessed capabilities in a manner befitting the sanctity and esteemed status of the Kaaba in the hearts of Muslims.
