Maintenance of the Holy Kaaba: The Saudi leadership's care for the Two Holy Mosques
Emphasis on the veneration of sacred rites
The Head of Religious Affairs at the Grand Mosque and the Prophet's Mosque, His Excellency Sheikh Dr. Abdulrahman bin Abdulaziz Al-Sudais, affirmed that the maintenance work on the Holy Kaaba is a clear manifestation of venerating the Ancient House and honoring the rites of God. He explained that these efforts are undertaken to fulfill the rights due to the Holy Kaaba in a manner befitting its great status and its firmly established sanctity in the hearts of Muslims throughout the world.
An extension of the wise leadership approach
His Excellency explained that the meticulous care and attention given to the maintenance of the Holy Kaaba is a continuation of a long-standing and historical approach adopted by the wise leadership of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia – may God support it – in serving the Two Holy Mosques and their visitors. The Kingdom is working to dedicate all its material, human, and technological resources to the care of the holiest of places, fulfilling the mission of this blessed land to protect Islamic holy sites and serve the guests of God, including pilgrims, Umrah performers, and visitors.
The historical context of the Kingdom's care for the Two Holy Mosques
Historically, from the era of its founder, King Abdulaziz bin Abdulrahman Al Saud (may God have mercy on him), to the present era of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and his Crown Prince, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has spared no effort in caring for the Two Holy Mosques. This is evident in the successive historical expansions, the establishment of the King Abdulaziz Complex for the Kaaba's Kiswa (cover), and the development of the system of religious and engineering services. The periodic maintenance of the Kaaba, which includes inspecting its walls, roof, gutter, and Shadharwan (base), and renewing its Kiswa, is a deeply rooted Islamic tradition that the Saudi leadership has inherited and developed using the latest global technologies to ensure the building's sustainability and protect it from the elements.
Local and international importance and impact
Domestically, these efforts reflect the Kingdom's commitment to achieving the goals of Saudi Vision 2030, which prioritizes serving pilgrims by enriching their religious experience and providing a safe and healthy environment. Regionally and internationally, the care given to the Holy Kaaba has a profound impact on more than 1.5 billion Muslims worldwide, instilling in them a sense of peace and pride in seeing their Qibla in its most beautiful form and at the highest level of readiness. This exceptional care reinforces the Kingdom's position as the beating heart of the Islamic world and underscores its leading role in protecting the holy sites.
Creating a conducive atmosphere for worship and serving Islam
Sheikh Al-Sudais affirmed that these blessed efforts reflect the Kingdom's profound concern for the Two Holy Mosques, stemming from its religious and historical responsibility and its constant commitment to providing the highest standards of care and maintenance. This ensures the preservation of the sanctity of the holy sites and the creation of a safe and spiritually enriching atmosphere for worshippers visiting the Sacred House of God. He concluded his statement with a sincere prayer that God may perpetuate the blessings of security, safety, stability, and faith upon the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and that He may reward its wise leadership abundantly for its noble deeds and commendable endeavors in serving Islam and Muslims. He also prayed that God may grant reward and recompense to all who contribute to the development and care of the Two Holy Mosques.
