Jakarta – Di heart of the holy city of Makkah, lies the most sacred structure for Muslims worldwide: the Ka’bah. Draped in a magnificent black cloth known as the kiswah, this revered element is far more than a simple covering; it embodies a lengthy process filled with meticulous attention to detail and an immensely high spiritual value.
The kiswah serves not merely as a protective shroud for the Ka’bah but as a profound symbol of reverence, grandeur, and love from Muslims toward the House of Allah SWT. Crafted with the finest standards, every thread of the kiswah is intricately sewn with genuine gold thread, enhancing its opulence and sanctity.
Sejarah Kiswah Ka’bah
According to Zainurrofieq Lc’s book, The Power Of Kabah, the tradition of covering the Ka’bah predates Islam. It is believed that Prophet Ismail AS was the first to adorn the structure, although some sources credit a ruler from Yemen, As’ad Al-Humairi. After the advent of Islam, Prophet Muhammad SAW maintained this practice as an act of reverence toward the Ka’bah, a tradition that Khalifahs upheld in subsequent periods.
As time passed, the kiswah evolved. In the early Islamic era, the materials were relatively simple. However, as Islamic civilization flourished under major dynasties such as the Umayyads and Abbasids, the quality of the kiswah saw marked improvement. Luxurious silk began to be utilized, with calligraphic verses from the Qur’an embellishing its surface.
Post the decline of the Abbasid dynasty, the kiswah was produced in Egypt, particularly after King Shalih Qalawun established three dedicated villages for its production. This traditional craft continued for centuries until, in modern times, it was centralized in Makkah by the Saudi government.
By 1924, the kiswah’s creation shifted to a factory in Makkah, which first completed a kiswah in 1926. The current kiswah is exclusively constructed from pure silk dyed black, with the borders intricately embroidered in yellow gold calligraphy.
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In Irfan L. Sarhindi’s book, The Lost Story of Kabah: Fakta-Fakta Mencengangkan Seputar Baitullah, it is explained that the making of a kiswah begins with the highest quality raw material: natural silk. The silk is carefully processed into fine threads, which are then woven into a large fabric that is both strong and soft.
This weaving process demands meticulous precision, as the resulting fabric will be a focal point viewed by millions each year. Once the weaving concludes, the fabric then undergoes coloring. The deep black hue, characteristic of the kiswah, is chosen purposefully, symbolizing majesty, steadfastness, and humility.
The dyeing process is repeated multiple times to ensure that the rich black color penetrates deeply into the fabric, creating a durable material that withstands Makkah’s intense heat and severe weather changes.
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The beauty of the kiswah reaches its zenith when verses of the Qur’an are embodied within its design. Before stitching, the calligraphic patterns are imprinted onto the fabric. The inscriptions often include sacred verses, the declaration of faith, and the names of Allah.
The kiswah is beautifully adorned with golden calligraphy, including phrases like “la ilaha illallah Muhammadur Rasulullah,” “subhanallah wabihamdihi subhanallahil ‘azhim,” and titles such as “Ya Allah,” “Ya Hannan,” and “Ya Mannan,” filling the Arabic numeral 7 with meaning. The placement of each calligraphic script is intentional, with specific sections carrying their unique significance.
The upper third of the kiswah showcases a belt adorned with Qur’anic verses related directly to the Ka’bah. The Multazam section features verses from Surah Al-Baqarah (125-128), while the Hijr Ismail displays (197-199) and the back door reveals (26-29). The area between the Yemeni corner and Hajar Aswad includes verses from Surah Ali Imran (95-97).
This intricate calligraphy is hand-stitched in gold thread, which can be updated as long as they embody the intentions of those who revere the Ka’bah.
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The most captivating phase in making the kiswah is the embroidery stage. Here, the skill of artisans is put to the test. With dexterous hands, they meticulously embroider the calligraphy using genuine gold and silver threads.
This meticulous process can take weeks for a single segment, with every detail accounted for to ensure an exquisitely crafted fabric that radiates beauty and perfection. Approximately 8.5 months are invested by hundreds of workers, primarily calligraphers, stitching the kiswah, requiring 999 rolls of silk thread stretching about 1 km and weighing a total of 670 kg, excluding the additional 15 kg of gold embroidery.
The dazzling gold threads adorning the kiswah cast a majestic yet sacred aura, making it unique among fabrics across the globe.
Perakitan hingga Menjadi Kiswah Utuh
After the completion of all segments, they are meticulously sewn together to form a cohesive piece. The kiswah comprises multiple panels, skillfully arranged to create a complete covering for the Ka’bah. It stands impressively tall, reaching approximately 14 meters in height and encircling the entire Ka’bah structure.
The kiswah is not merely a beautiful decoration but a source of inspiration and identity for Muslims. It encapsulates generations of dedication, craftsmanship, and love for the Ka’bah, echoing the respect held by millions of believers.
As you prepare for the Hajj pilgrimage, understand the significance of the kiswah and the traditions surrounding it. This experience has the potential to transform your spiritual journey into one of profound meaning and reverence.
