Sunday, August 7, 2011

ADIB brings 200 year old imperial Kiswah to UAE


ADIB showcases an important icon of Islamic art and history to the UAE community

Visitors can get pictures taken with the Kiswah and also enter a draw for a weekend’s

stay for two at the Emirates Palace hotel in Abu Dhabi

(Abu Dhabi, 7th of August 2011) - Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank (ADIB), a top-tier Islamic

financial services group, announced today that it had brought a historic 200-year

old Kiswah (covering of “Ka’aba”) to the UAE to mark the Holy Month of Ramadan

this year. The Kiswah Exhibition is open to public viewing at the Dome, Emirates

Palace Hotel, Abu Dhabi, throughout the whole month of Ramadan.

The Kiswah is considered among the most sacred of Islamic artefacts and guards

the final destination for all Muslim pilgrims making the journey of faith to Mecca

Visitors and viewers (from 6 pm – 12 midnight) can also get their pictures taken

with the Kiswah on the spot for free. Visitors to the display can also enter ADIB’s

Kiswah competition and win a weekend’s stay for two at Emirates Palace hotel,

Says Tirad Mahmoud, CEO of ADIB: “It is a great honour to be able to present this

Kiswah to people of the UAE. We are delighted to serve our community during

the Holy Month and allow them to view a piece of our history. We are giving back

to our community in the month of giving and living the spirit of Ramadan while

attempting to bridge the gap between different cultures. A visit to view the Kiswah

promises to be a memorable experience for all and lends special importance to

their fasting spirits”

This initiative aims to educate the UAE community about Islamic art and showcases

an important icon of Islamic history. The displayed Kiswah was commissioned

by Sultan Selim III (1789-1807 AD), in the Hijri year 1219 (1804-05 AD), and is

historically important as it is the last Kiswah to be produced in the colourful and

rich design of the imperial Ottoman Turks before a conservative style was adopted.

Muslims began draping the Ka’aba in the 9th Hijri year (630 AD). This continues to

today with the Kiswah being replaced every year.

It was customary to change the Kiswa, Hizam, and Burqa annually on the 25th of

the month of Dhu'l Qa'da. The plain black cloth was cut up in pieces and given as

presents to dignitaries performing the annual pilgrimage.

No comments: