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Abu
Dhabi:
The Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank (ADIB) has brought a 200-year-old
Kiswah, the shroud that covers the Ka'aba in Makkah, to the country
to mark the holy month of Ramadan this year, it was announced
Sunday.
The Kiswah, one of the most sacred Islamic artefacts, is open to
public viewing at the dome in the Emirates Palace Hotel in Abu
Dhabi this month.
Muslim pilgrims from across the globe visit Makkah in Saudi Arabia
during Hajj.
Tirad Mahmoud, CEO of ADIB, said: "It is a great honour to be able
to present this Kiswah to people of the UAE. We are delighted to
serve our community during the holy month and allow them to view a
piece of our history."
This initiative aims to educate the UAE community about Islamic
art and showcases Islamic history.
The displayed Kiswah was commissioned by Sultan Selim III
(1789-1807 AD), in the Hijri year 1219 (1804-05 AD), and is
historically important as it is the last Kiswah to be produced in
the colourful and rich design of the imperial Ottoman Turks before
a conservative style was adopted.
Muslims began draping the Ka'aba, the holiest site among the
Muslims, in the 9th Hijri year (630 AD). This continues to date
with the Kiswah being replaced every year.
It was customary to change the Kiswa, Hizam, and Burqa annually on
the 25th of the month of Dhu'l Qa'da. The plain black cloth was
cut up in pieces and given as presents to dignitaries performing
the annual pilgrimage.
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