Saudi Arabia Marks Islamic New Year with Kiswah Replacement at the Kaaba, Here's Why

The Government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia officially celebrated the turn of the year 1 Muharram 1448 Hijriyah on the evening of 15 June 2026 local time. The moment was marked by the replacement of the cloth covering the Kaaba, known as the Kiswah, at the Grand Mosque. The replacement of the Kiswah at the Grand Mosque every 1 Muharram is considered a symbol of spiritual renewal as well as a marker of the birth of a new spirit for Muslims. The replacement of the Kiswah carries a dual meaning, both spiritually and physically. ‘Regarding the moment of the Kiswah replacement at the Grand Mosque on 1 Muharram, this is a symbol that the Islamic New Year is chosen as a marker of the birth of a new spirit and self-purification,’ said Erti Herlina, Head of the Worship Guidance Section for the Mecca Working Area of the Saudi Arabia Hajj Organising Committee. She further explained that physically, the Kiswah replacement is a crucial step to maintain the sanctity, cleanliness, and beauty of the Kaaba’s covering from potential damage. Every year, millions of Hajj and Umrah pilgrims performing the tawaf ritual touch the covering cloth. Therefore, renewing the cloth is absolutely necessary to ensure the Baitullah remains preserved in its beauty. ‘Imagine every person touching the Kaaba’s covering cloth, and in one year, millions have already touched it, so this renewal or replacement is necessary,’ she said.