Kiswah (كسوة)
Definition and Etymology
Kiswah (كسوة) - An Arabic term literally meaning “a robe” or “clothing.” In Islamic context, Kiswah refers specifically to the cloth that covers the Kaʿbah, the sacred cubic structure located in the city of Makkah, Saudi Arabia.
- Arabic: كسوة (Kiswah)
- Turkish: Kisve
Historical Background
The tradition of covering the Kaʿbah with a Kiswah is deeply rooted in Islamic history, dating back to pre-Islamic times. According to Islamic narrative, the first person to cover the Kaʿbah was a Himyarite chief named Tubbaʿu ʾl-Arqān. Over time, influential Muslim figures including the Prophet Muhammad, various Caliphs, and significant Islamic monarchs, have contributed to the tradition of the Kiswah.
Description and Construction
When Captain Richard Francis Burton visited Makkah in 1853, he described the Kiswah as a coarse tissue made of mixed silk and cotton. It was constructed of eight pieces, with two pieces allocated for each side of the Kaʿbah. These pieces are sewn together, and the seams are concealed by a broad gilt band called the ḥizām. Currently, the Kiswah is entirely black with gold embroidery, featuring Quranic verses.
Ritual and Religious Significance
The covering of the Kaʿbah holds immense religious significance and is a symbol of Islamic tradition and unity. The Kiswah includes Quranic inscriptions and is replaced annually during the Hajj season, a practice that is observed with great reverence and ceremonial processions. The embroidered inscription on the gold band of the Kiswah is the ninetieth verse of the third Sūrah of the Qurʾān: “Verily, the first House founded for mankind was surely that at Bakkah, for a blessing and guidance to the worlds.”
Manufacturing
The Kiswah has traditionally been manufactured in Cairo, Egypt. A specific family, known as the Baitu ʾs-Saʿd, claimed hereditary rights to its production. Today’s Kiswah is fabricated by a specialized factory in Makkah. It is taken to significant mosques, such as the Sultan Hassan Mosque in Cairo, before being transported to Makkah.
Historical Evolution
Various Islamic leaders have made contributions to the Kiswah’s evolution:
- Caliph Umar (RA) chose Egyptian linen and mandated annual renewal.
- Caliph Uthman (RA) introduced bi-annual clothing changes - silk for winter and linen for summer.
- Caliph Ma’mun (A.D. 813) initiated seasonal changes, using different materials for various Islamic months.
- Caliph al-Mutawakkil (A.D. 847) enhanced the frequency of changes.
During the Abbasid era, the Kiswah symbolized sovereignty over the holy places. Under the Ottoman rule, the tradition continued with materials supplied from Cairo.
Modern Observances
In modern times, the Kiswah is still ceremoniously replaced annually, and this event marks a significant ritual in the Islamic calendar. The manufacturing now involves highly specialized craftsmanship, with advanced techniques to ensure durability and beauty.
Books for Further Studies
- “The Kaaba: Its People and Customs” by Samuel M. Zwemer
- “Mecca and Medina” by Richard Francis Burton
- “Islam: Art and Architecture” by Markus Hattstein and Peter Delius
Takeaways and Conclusion
The Kiswah is more than just a cloth; it represents centuries of Islamic history, tradition, and devotion. Its intricate craftsmanship and Quranic inscriptions render it a manifest symbol of reverence toward the Kaʿbah and an embodiment of Islamic unity and identity across generations.
Understanding the Kiswah is essential for comprehending the broader religious, historical, and cultural aspects that shape the Islamic world.
