Muslim Holy Shrine gets new gold lock and key
New lock and key made of nickel and plated gold
The Ka’aba, which sits at the center of the Grand Mosque in Islam’s holiest city of Makkah, now has a new gold-plated lock and key.
“It is the first time that there is a golden key and lock for the Kaaba, although the new key and beautiful lock have the same shape and specifications of the old one,” Sheikh Abdul Qader al-Shaibi, the Ka’aba’s chief guardian told Al Arabiya.
“The only difference is that they are made of gold, and the key is a little wider and shorter from the old one,” he added.
The new key and lock is made of nickel and plated gold, and is a gift from Saudi King Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz.
The Muslim testimony to faith is written on the front side of the 18-carat golden lock while an attribution of donation to Saudi’s king is inscribed on the back.
Specific ritual
The transfer of powers from a guardian of Ka’aba to his successor follows a specific ritual that has been going on for hundreds of years.
“The tradition followed from centuries is that the key will be with the eldest of our family,” Shaibi said.
His family has been the custodian of the Ka’aba for over 15 centuries, and is responsible for its upkeep and maintenance.
