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.
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