Ghusl Kaabah: What is it and why it is important

On Sunday, July 21, the deputy governor of the Makkah Al-Mukarramah Region, His Royal Highness Prince Saud bin Mishal bin Abdulaziz, represented Saudi Arabian leader King Salman bin Abdul-Aziz at the biannual Ghusl Kaabah ritual washing of the Sacred Kaabah.

As Jafar Mugera writes, this solemn ritual starts with the mixing of Zamzam water with Taif rose water, oud, and other luxurious perfumes on the eve of the 15th of Muharram – the day of the sacred washing of the Kaabah.

The washing of the Kaabah ceremony can be traced back to the lifetime of the Noble Prophet, Muhammad (PBUH). According to Islamic traditions, this sacred event was held twice a year, first during the month of Muharram and second in the month of Shaban, before the beginning of the Holy month of Ramadan.

The day before the ceremony, the mixture of Zamzam water, rosewater, oud, and itar (perfume) to be used for the washing is prepared. The mixture is splashed on the walls of the Kaabah, which are then dried with fine cotton cloths, followed by the cleaning of the Kaabah’s marble floor.

This ritual is performed by senior Saudi Arabian government officials, Imams, clerics selected by the General Presidency of the Affairs of the Two Holy Mosques, and ambassadors of all Muslim countries, who wipe the walls with cotton cloths. The participation of the ambassadors represents the entire Muslim community.

On the day of the washing, security personnel form columns around the Kaabah to keep ordinary worshippers not invited to the ceremony at bay. On arrival, the dignitaries perform two units of prayer – Tahiyyatul Masjid – and then proceed to do the washing.

After the wash, they perform the Tawaf (circumambulate the Kaabah seven times) and proceed to Maqam Ibrahim (Station of Ibrahim) and perform two units of prayer to complete the conditions of Tawaf. As per the traditions of the Prophet (PBUH), they are served Zamzam water in a bowl, and the ceremony is concluded.