PM Shahbaz expresses condolence & grief over the death of key bearer of Ka’aba Dr. Sheikh Saleh Bin Taha Al-Shaibi

ISLAMABAD, June 22 (SABAH): Prime Minister Mian Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif has expressed condolence and grief over the death of key bearer of Ka’aba Dr. Sheikh Saleh Bin Taha Al-Shaibi.

In his condolence message, the Prime Minister prayed for high ranks of the deceased and patience for his family.

He said Dr. Sheikh Saleh Al-Sheibi had the unique honor of being the key bearer of the Ka’aba and every Muslim is proud of his fate for having such an honor.

The Prime Minister said the sequence of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)’s recommendation regarding the Key of Ka’aba continues. Dr Sheikh Saleh Al-Shaibi was the 109th key holder of Ka’aba.

It is worth mentioning here that the chief key holder and caretaker of the Kaaba Sheikh Saleh Al-Shaibi passed away on Saturday.

Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman expressed their grief over the demise of Dr. Saleh bin Zain Al Abedin.

Sheikh Saleh Al-Shaibi was the 109th successor of Uthman bin Talha, a companion of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). The key of the Kaaba was handed over to this companion by the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). The descendants of the prophet’s companions have been inheriting the key since then. He took over as caretaker of the Kaaba in 2013.

The family has been serving as caretakers of the Kaaba for centuries and Al-Shaibi was the 77th caretaker from the same family.

A university professor, Al-Shaibi, held a doctorate in Islamic studies and authored books on religion and history.

The family has been responsible for managing the affairs of the Kaaba, including cleaning, washing, ironing, and repairing its Kiswa (cover) if it is torn. They also receive visitors and handle all related tasks.

It may be recalled that Sheikh Abdul Rahman bin Saleh Zainul Abedin Al Shaibi, the key bearer of the Kaaba, came to Pakistan on a 6-day visit in November last year, during which he had meetings with the top leadership of the country.

Saleh Al-Shaibi became the caretaker of the Kaaba in 2013 after his uncle, Abdulqader Taha Al-Shaibi, passed away.