MAKKAH – The key of the Holy Kaaba will be replaced with a new one during the customary washing of Islam’s holiest shrine for Hijri year 1435 , according to the Presidency for the Affairs of the Two Holy Mosques. The new key will be handed over formally to the keeper (Sadin) of the Kaaba and its installation will be done in his presence, said Ahmad Al-Mansouri, spokesman of the Presidency.
Al-Mansouri urged all Muslims not to believe in rumors as well as in exaggerated and incorrect reports with regard to changing of the key. “Everyone should believe only on confirmed reports from the reliable authorities in this matter,” he said.
Referring to the steps taken to replace the old key, Al-Mansouri said: The demand to replace the old key with a new one first came from former senior Sadin the late Sheikh Abdul Aziz Al-Shaibi. He wrote a letter to Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah on Dhul Hijja 15, 1429, in which he had mentioned the difficulties faced in opening the door of the Kaaba for washing on Shaaban 1, 1429. It was revealed that the key, which was made more than 30 years ago, was rusting. As a result, the key was taken to a specialized workshop for maintenance work. It returned to its position after the maintenance work that lasted for 12 hours was completed.
Subsequent to this, Al-Mansouri said, a Royal order was issued on Jamad Al-Thani 20, 1430, instructing King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST) to carry out studies on the technical aspects of replacing the key.
Accordingly, a scientific team carried out studies about the key and its salient features so as to make a more durable key keeping its unique features. The team also considered Sadin’s report that stressed the point that the key’s life expectancy was over and that the blade of the key was not functioning properly. Apart from this, he also suggested replacing the key with an 18-carat gold one.
The Presidency also took a copy of the old key.
The new key was manufactured in line with the Royal decree, and the design work of its prototype was done by KACST on the basis of the old keys and in line with the instructions from the Presidency. Then, KACST delivered a sample of the key to the concerned agency to manufacture it. The Presidency asked the scientific team to ensure that the new key fulfills the required standards, he said.
According to Al-Mansouri, the team examined the new key on Sept. 12 in the presence of the head of the Presidency and President of KACST.
The Presidency chief sent a request to the King on Sept. 16, seeking permission to install the new key during the next washing ceremony of the Kaaba in the beginning of the next Hijri year in the presence of the Sadin, he added.
The Presidency reiterated that Allah designated Al-Shaibi family as the keeper of the Kaaba and as such the State is keen to continue this position in all occasions by calling the Sadin to open its door and take part in the washing ceremony.
The Presidency undertakes the responsibilities of supervising the cleaning work, replenishing the cans with Zamzam water and creating a serene atmosphere for pilgrims and visitors to the Grand Mosque.
It also noted that the leader of the nation preferred to use the title of serving the Two Holy Mosques that shows his utmost keenness in their guardianship.
Usually the key of the Kaaba is used twice a year during its washing: Once in the month of Muharram and then on the first day of the month of Shaaban.
Makkah Gov. Prince Khaled Al-Faisal on Monday handed over the new keys of the Holy Kaaba (House of God) to Sheikh Abdul Qader Al-Shaibi, its chief guardian. The newly built lock was fixed on the Kaaba following the ceremonial washing of the House of God on Monday under the leadership of Prince Khaled. The lock and key were made of nickel and polished by 18-carat gold. The Muslim testimony to faith is written on the front side of the lock and an attribution of donation to Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques on the back. Inscribed on the sides is: King Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz, 1434H, verse 97 from the Quranic chapter entitled Al-Maida and verse 96 of the chapter entitled Al-Imran.
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The Presidency for the Two Holy Mosques’ Affairs supervised the making of the new lock and key at King Abdul Aziz City of Science and Technology in Riyadh.
Sheikh Abdul Rahman Al-Sudais, head of the presidency, thanked the Saudi leadership for its support. The old lock and key would be preserved at the Two Holy Mosques Exhibition, he said. Prince Khaled, accompanied by top officials, earlier washed the Kaaba using Zamzam water mixed with rose water. He was greeted upon arrival by Sheikh Sudais and his deputy, Sheikh Muhammad Al-Khuzaim. The ceremony was attended by Professor Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu, Makkah Mayor Osama Al-Bar, Deputy Makkah Gov. Abdul Aziz Al-Khodairy, Deputy Haj Minister Hatim Qadi and several Muslim diplomats.
Al-Shaibi given new Kaaba key.
TRADITION LIVES ON: Makkah Gov. Prince Khaled Al-Faisal hands over the new Holy Kaaba lock and key to its chief guardian Sheikh Abdul Qader Al-Shaibi in the presence of Sheikh Abdul Rahman Al-Sudais and KACST president Mohammed Al-Suwaiyel, left, after leading the ceremonial washing of the Kaaba on Monday. (SPA)
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