Ceremonial washing of Holy Kaaba held
The door of Holy Kaaba remained open for two hours during the process.
MAKKAH (Web Desk) - On behalf of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah, Makkah Emir Prince Mishal Bin Abdullah led the ceremonial washing of the Holy Kaaba on Thursday.
Sheikh Abdurahman Al-Sudais, head of the Presidency for the Affairs of the Two Holy Mosques, Sheikh Muhammad Al-Khozaim, deputy head of the presidency, several ministers, Islamic scholars, Muslim diplomats accredited to the Kingdom, as well as citizens and visitors to the Grand Mosque, took part in the washing ceremony, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
The ceremonial washing of Kaaba is being held following the example of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), who washed it after entering the Kaaba at the time of conquest of Makkah.
The washing ritual of the Kaaba, which is carried out before the beginning of the fasting month of Ramadan, begins with offering of two raka’a of voluntary prayers inside the cuboidal structure. The interior walls were cleansed with rose, oud and musk perfumes using white cloth.
Zamzam water mixed with rose perfume was splashed on the floor and then wiped with bare hands and palm leaves. After the cleaning, the floor and the walls were dried again with white cloth and tissues. The walls were then perfumed using large quantities of oud and rose perfume.
Meanwhile, paramilitary forces and other security officials were present around the Kaaba.
The interior of Kaaba is being washed twice a year.
