Sheikh Saleh Al-Shaibi, the chief key holder and caretaker of the Kaaba, passed away on Saturday, June 22, 2024, after a prolonged illness.
He was the 109th successor in a line that dates back to Uthman bin Talha, a companion of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), to whom the key of the Kaaba was originally entrusted.
Sheikh Saleh Al-Shaibi took over the role of caretaker in 2013 and was the 77th member of his family to serve in this capacity, a tradition that has spanned centuries.
The family’s duties include managing the affairs of the Kaaba, cleaning, washing, ironing, and necessary repairs of its Kiswa (cover), as well as receiving visitors and handling all related tasks.
Saudi King Salman bin Abdul Aziz and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman have expressed their grief over the passing of Al-Shaibi. He will be buried at the Al Mu’alla Cemetery in Mecca.
Al-Shaibi was a scholar in his own right, holding a doctorate in Islamic studies and authoring several books on religion and history, contributing deeply to the spiritual and scholarly community.
