Governor of Makkah Prince Mishal Bin Abdullah, on behalf of King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia, led the ceremonial washing of the Holy Kaaba on Thursday morning. According to a private news channel, Saudi top officials including several ministers, Islamic scholars, Muslim diplomats, as well as citizens and visitors to the Grand Mosque, attended the washing ceremony, Saudi media reports said.
The ceremonial washing of Kaaba is held following the example of Prophet Hazrat Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him), who washed it after entering the Kaaba at the time of the conquest of Makkah. The washing of the Kaaba, which is carried out before the beginning of the fasting month of Ramzan, begins with offering of two raka'a of Nafla prayers. The interior walls are then be cleansed with rose, oud and musk perfumes, using white cloth.