Saudi Gazette report

MAKKAH — On behalf of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz, Deputy Emir of Makkah Region Prince Saud bin Mishaal led the annual ceremonial washing of the Holy Kaaba on Sunday early morning.

The Deputy Emir of Makkah Region was received at the Grand Mosque by the Minister of Hajj and Umrah and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the General Authority for the Care of the Affairs of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet's Mosque, Dr. Tawfiq Al Rabeeah, and the President of Religious Affairs of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet's Mosque, Sheikh Dr. Abdulrahman Al-Sudais.

Prince Saud began the ceremony by washing the interior wall of the Kaaba with holy Zamzam water mixed with rose water, prepared earlier by the General Authority for the Care of the Affairs of the Two Holy Mosques.

Following the washing, the Deputy Emir of Makkah Region performed two units of Tawaf (circumambulation around the Kaaba).

The annual customary washing of the Holy Kaaba was held using Zamzam water mixed with rose water, oud and other perfumes.

The washing of the Holy Kaaba is as per the example set by Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).

It is customary for the Saudi monarch or his representative to wash the Holy Kaaba from inside. Towels are used to wipe the walls of the Kaaba. The interior walls are cleansed with a white cloth dipped in rose and musk perfumes. Zamzam water mixed with rose perfume is splashed on the floor and is wiped with bare hands and palm leaves.