Al-Shaibi was the 77th member of the same family to look for the Kaaba during their centuries-long role as custodians.
Sheikh Saleh Al-Shaibi, the principal key holder and guardian of the Kaaba, departed on June 22, Saturday. The Al Mu’alla Cemetery in Makkah will serve as the site of the funeral.
The Prophet Muhammad’s companion Uthman bin Talha had 109 successors, the most recent being Sheikh Saleh Al-Shaibi. This companion received the key to the Kaaba from the prophet.
The key has been passed down via the Prophet’s companions’ generations ever since. In 2013, he assumed responsibility for the Kaaba’s upkeep.
Al-Shaibi was the 77th member of the same family to look for the Kaaba during their centuries-long role as custodians.
More From FactFile: Hajj 2024: Deadly heatwave in Saudi Arabia kills 577 pilgrims
Al-Shaibi was a university lecturer who wrote works on religion and history in addition to having a doctorate in Islamic studies.
The family has been in charge of overseeing the Kaaba’s operations, which include keeping it clean, washing, ironing, and fixing its ripped Kiswa (cover). They also welcome guests and take care of all associated duties.
