MECCA (Web Desk) - Dr Sheikh Saleh Al-Shaibi, the key holder of the holy Kaaba, passed away.
Media reports indicate that Sheikh Saleh bin Zainul Abedin Al Shaibi, who had been ill for a long time, has died. The news was confirmed on the social networking site X, which announced that the 109th key bearer and companion of the Kaaba, Usman bin Talha’s successor, has passed away.
The funeral prayer for Dr Sheikh Saleh Al-Shaibi was held in Masjid al-Haram after the Fajr prayer.
Last November, Sheikh Zainul Abedin Al Shaibi, the key bearer of the Kaaba, visited Pakistan for six days, during which he met with top leaders.
The Banu Shaiba tribe, the guardians of the Kaaba, have held the keys for about 1600 years. Their sacred duties, known as 'Sadna Baytullah,' include caring for the Kaaba, opening and closing it, cleaning, preparing and repairing its cover as needed.
The key of the Kaaba remains unchanged even if its door is replaced. According to the will of the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him), the key holder will always come from the Al-Shaibi family.