Dr. Salah bin Zain al-Abidin al-Shaibi, the 77th keeper of the keys to the Kaaba, passed away after a long illness in Saudi Arabia. For generations, his family has held this position at the Sacred Mosque of Mecca, dating back to the time of Prophet Muhammad. As keeper of the keys, Salah was responsible for opening and closing the shrine, overseeing cleaning and ablutions, and maintaining the traditional kiswa cover of the Kaaba. In addition to his duties as a custodian, Salah was also a professor of Islamic theology and an author of numerous books and articles.
Following his passing, King Salman and Prince Muhammad expressed their condolences. The heir to the throne is reportedly considering two candidates to succeed Salah as keeper of the keys: his son and nephew, who served as his deputies at different times. The passing of Dr. Salah bin Zain al-Abidin al-Shaibi marks an end for both his family and for the Sacred Mosque of Mecca.
