On behalf of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz, Makkah Governor Prince Khaled Al-Faisal led the ceremonial washing of the Holy Kaaba today morning, using Zamzam mixed with rose water. The ceremony was attended by a large number of prominent figures, including Sheikh Abdul Rahman Al-Sudais, head of the General Presidency for the Affairs of the Two Holy Mosques, Prof. Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu, secretary-general of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation and Dr. Muhammad Al-Khozaim, deputy head of the the presidency for the affairs of the Haram Mosque.

The washing ritual of the Kaaba begins with the performance of two raka’hs inside the cuboidal structure. The interior walls will then be cleaned with rose, oud and musk perfumes using white cloth. Zamzam water mixed with rose perfume will then be splashed on the floor and then wiped with bare hands and palm leaves.

After leading the ceremony, Prince Khaled Al-Faisal performed circumambulation (Tawaf) of Islam’s holiest shrine and performed Sunna prayer.  Several dignitaries, including ministers, government officials, prominent Islamic scholars, Haram presidency officials, and Muslim diplomats accredited to various countries attended the ceremony. A  large number of citizens and pilgrims were also present on the occasion.

The interior of the Kaaba is washed twice a year — in Muharram and Shaaban, the first and ninth months of the Hijrah calendar. The Kaaba, which is located inside the sprawling Haram Mosque complex, is central to the Islamic faith as Muslims all over the world face it while performing daily prayers. INA