ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Saturday expressed grief and offered condolences over the passing of Dr. Sheikh Saleh Al-Shaibi, the guardian and key bearer of the Holy Ka`aba, who died earlier in the day.
Dr. Al-Shaibi, who was born in Makkah and secured a doctorate in Islamic Studies, initially worked as a university professor and published several books on religion and history.
He belonged to a family that has served as the caretaker of Ka`aba, the black cubical structure at the heart of Makkah’s Grand Mosque, since the city was conquered by the first Muslim community under the leadership of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
“Dr. Sheikh Saleh Al-Shaibi had the unique honor of being the key bearer of the Ka`aba and every Muslim is proud of his fate for having such an honor,” Sharif said in a condolence message reported by Radio Pakistan.
He prayed for the high rank for the deceased in the afterlife and patience for the bereaved family.
Dr. Al-Shaibi became the caretaker of the Ka`aba in 2013 after his uncle, Abdul Qader Taha Al-Shaibi, passed away.
The Prophet (PBUH) had handed the key to the Ka`aba to his ancestor, Uthman Ibn Abi Talha, in the eighth year of hijra and ordered that the honor should forever remain in his family.
Pakistan PM mourns death of Holy Ka`aba’s key bearer, offers condolences
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Pakistan PM mourns death of Holy Ka`aba’s key bearer, offers condolences
- Dr. Sheikh Saleh Al-Shaibi was born in Makkah and secured a doctorate in Islamic Studies
- His family was assigned by the Prophet (PBUH) himself to be the caretaker of the Ka`aba
