MAKKAH, 19 January 2003 — Makkah Governor Prince Abdul Majeed oversaw the ritual washing of the Holy Kaaba yesterday ahead of the annual pilgrimage, the SPA news agency reported.
The ceremony, during which the cube-shaped Kaaba is washed with water from the nearby Zamzam spring, mixed with rose water, was attended by other princes, ministers, dignitaries and diplomats.
"Islam has no need of a defender... because God is the protector of this religion," Prince Abdul Majeed said when asked about accusations of terrorism leveled against Muslims.
"Islam is in need of those who follow its noble teachings, which aim for the betterment of the whole humanity."
Prince Abdul Majeed urged all officials to extend the best possible services to the guests of God (pilgrims).
The Kaaba, with a black stone set in the eastern corner, is not an object of worship, even though Muslims pray facing it, but a sanctuary and a spiritual center.
It is washed twice a year, once for Ramadan and once for the Haj, which is expected to run from Feb. 9-13 this year.
Tradition has it that the Kaaba was founded by Adam, but rebuilt several times since then. The present structure dates from the seventh century and has undergone several restorations.
The Kaaba is covered by a black cloth (kiswa) which is replaced every year before the Haj, which last year attracted two million pilgrims.
Some 450 kilograms of silk and 15 kilos of gold thread are used to make the 658 square meter kiswa.
All Muslims are required to make the pilgrimage to Makkah, one of the five pillars of Islam, at least once in their lifetime, if they have the means to do so.
