My Humble Journey and Love for the Kiswah of the Kaaba

I am but an ordinary person, with no great status or scholarly background—just a humble servant of Allah, always striving to learn and draw closer to Him. My passion for the sacred Kiswah of the Kaaba is not born of knowledge, but of love, experience, and the blessings that Allah SWT has placed in my life.

In the year I was blessed with a transit visa, I travelled with my wife and our 15-year-old son to the two holy cities. We spent 24 hours in the luminous city of Madinah and 48 hours in the blessed city of Makkah, during which we performed Umrah. We were honoured to pray our very first Jumu’ah in Masjid Al-Haram. After the prayer, while returning to our hotel, we stopped at a shop to buy some gifts for our loved ones.

The shopkeeper, noticing my manners, asked me where I was from. When I replied “Pakistan,” he smiled and said, “No, you’re not.” Surprised, I asked him why, and he said, “You didn’t even test the perfume, ask the price, or bargain with me—that’s not the Pakistani way!” I then clarified that I’m from the UK, and that sparked a connection. When he asked when I was returning, I told him I was leaving the next morning after Fajr. He asked me to meet him in the courtyard by Bab-e-Islam. As agreed, I met him—and to my surprise, he gifted me my very first piece of the Kiswah, measuring 6×6 inches. That moment began a special bond, and to this day, we remain friends.

When I returned to London, I brought the Kiswah to the masjid in Streatham to show friends. However, I was saddened when people doubted my story and questioned how I could have obtained such a sacred item. I explained the truth, but many remained sceptical.

In 2006, my beloved mother was diagnosed with cancer. I visited her in Pakistan and later sent the Kiswah to her by post. In 2007, when her illness worsened, I returned to see her. She told me that during her moments of pain, she would kiss the Kiswah and place it on her heart—and SubhanAllah, her pain would ease. The comfort she found in it was immense. A few days later, she returned to her Creator. May Allah SWT grant her Jannatul-Firdaus, and all the believing men and women who have passed away.

In 2011, I went for Hajj with my wife. Many people asked me to bring back pieces of the Kiswah. I requested my friend in Makkah, and he generously gifted me multiple pieces, which I shared with friends and our travel group in Streatham.

In 2018, I performed Umrah with my entire family—my sons, daughter, grandson, daughters-in-law, and my brother and his wife. Once again, I was blessed to receive Kiswah, which I shared with others.

In 2023, I travelled again for Umrah, this time with my sister-in-law’s family and mine. After completing Sa’i, my 8-year-old grandson Sami asked to touch the door of the Kaaba. Everyone was tired and preparing to return to London, so his request was postponed. Later, back in London, my daughter told me that Sami had asked to hold the Kiswah. I ordered a large piece, and when it arrived, I asked him to open the package. He looked at it and said, “This is the cloth from the Kaaba.” His innocence and connection deeply moved me.

Soon after, my youngest daughter-in-law requested a piece for her son, followed by my middle daughter-in-law. Allah SWT inspired me to purchase Kiswah for the whole family as Eid-ul-Fitr gifts. Alhamdulillah, I was able to do so.

At the start of 2024, I began collecting Kiswah items with the intention of hosting an exhibition. By July—before Eid-ul-Adha—I had gathered many items. Our first private exhibition was held for family and friends in our office car park on 28th July 2024 under a gazebo. The first public exhibition was held on 12th October 2024 at Norbury High School for Girls.

This is how my journey with the Kiswah began. My intention is simple: if I, a regular person, can obtain the Kiswah and share it with others, then perhaps those who have never visited the House of Allah SWT, or never physically touched the Kiswah, may still have the opportunity to connect with it.

Please respect the sanctity of these items. May Allah SWT accept this humble effort and guide us all to the straight path. Ameen.