The Holy Kaaba key handover and the Maqam Ibrahim (the Shrine of Prophet Ibrahim’s standing place) a significant ceremony took place in Makkah on Monday June 24, 2024. Sheikh Abdul Rahman bin Saleh Al-Shaibi passed the keys to Sheikh Abdul Wahhab bin Zain Al-Abidin Al-Shaibi, making him the 78th caretaker of the Kaaba.
Holy Kaaba Key Handover to Sheikh Abdul Wahhab
Sheikh Abdul Wahhab, the eldest member of the Al-Shaiba family, was chosen as the successor following the death of Sheikh Saleh Al-Shaibi, the previous senior caretaker, last Friday June 21, 2024. Traditionally, the keys of the Kaaba and Maqam Ibrahim are handed to the oldest member of the Al-Shaiba family.
Holy #Kaaba’s key handed over to its 78th caretaker Abdul Wahhab Al-Shaibihttps://t.co/gm9oLFzh18
— Saudi Gazette (@Saudi_Gazette) June 25, 2024
Reading Suggestion: The Sacred Ritual of Hajj at Mount Arafat: A Journey of Faith and Reflection
After receiving the key, Sheikh Abdul Wahhab expressed his gratitude, saying,
“May God grant me success in carrying out this duty under the government of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman and Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman.”
He will oversee the opening of the Kaaba for the annual ceremonial washing on Muharram 15, 1446.
As the caretaker (sadin) of the Kaaba, Sheikh Abdul Wahhab holds the sole responsibility for the keys and all related duties, including changing the kiswa (cover), washing, perfuming, and managing the opening and closing of the Kaaba. This role has been with the Bani Shaiba family since the time of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).
Reading Suggestion: Discovering Saudi Arabia: Essential Information for Travelers
The tradition of the Al-Shaiba family holding the keys goes back to when the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) conquered Makkah. After entering the Kaaba, he removed all idols, cleansed the space, and entrusted the keys to Othman Bin Talha of the Bani Shaiba family, proclaiming,
“These keys will remain with you until the Day of Judgment. No one can take it away from you except an oppressor.”
Dr. Saleh Al-Shaibi 77th Key Holder of Holy Kaaba
Dr. Saleh Al-Shaibi, a respected scholar and author, was the 77th key holder of the Kaaba until his recent passing. He had served in this esteemed position since 2014, following the death of his uncle, Sheikh Abdul Qadir Al-Shaibi. Dr. Saleh was the 10th senior keeper during the modern Saudi era and frequently accompanied King Salman during the ceremonial washing of the Kaaba. His successor, Sheikh Abdul Wahhab Al-Shaibi, now continues this honored family tradition.
