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Sitara (Curtain) of the Ka’bah

Curtain of the Kabah
Curtain of the Kabah - Photo: Emad Alhusayni

The covering on the door of the Ka’bah is known as the ‘Sitara and is the most elaborate part of the Kiswah. Also referred to as the ‘Burqa‘ and ‘Burdah’, it’s changed annually along with the rest of the Kiswah.

Historical Sitaras

  • The Sitara today is made up of gold and and white embroidery against a black background. Past Sitaras were often quite colourful with the designs reflecting the eras in which they were made.
Sitara from the era of Sultan Abdul Hamid II
Sitara from the era of Sultan Abdul Hamid II
  • The earliest known example of the Sitara was made in Egypt and dates to 1544 during the reign of Sulayman the Magnificent.
Sitara from the era of Suleyman the Magnificent
Sitara from the era of Suleyman the Magnificent

Inscriptions on the Sitara

  • The curtain contains verses from the Quran, duas and supplications to Allah. It is customary for the bottom two panels to show the name of the ruler who has ‘gifted’ the Kiswah that year.
  • Below is a breakdown of what is written on each panel:
Inscriptions on the Sitara of the Kabah
Inscriptions on the Sitara of the Kabah
Inscriptions on the Sitara of the Kabah
Inscriptions on the Sitara of the Kabah
Inscriptions on the Sitara of the Kabah
Inscriptions on the Sitara of the Kabah

References: thenationalnews.com

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