KUN0094 4 GEN 0204 KUWAIT /KUNA-RXI5 REL-SAUDI-KAABA-WASH Prince of Makkah washes Kaaba MAKKAH, Jan 7 (KUNA) -- On the behalf of the Custodian of the two Holy Mosques King Fahad Bin Abdulaziz, the Prince of Makkah Adbulmajid Bin Abdulaziz performed the washing ritual of the holy Kaaba Wednesday, ahead of the pilgrimage season. The Kaaba is washed once at beginning of the month of Shaaban, prior to the advent of the holy month of Ramadan and a second time before the pilgrimage when the Kaaba cloth (Kiswa in Arabic) is to be changed, according to a standing annual tradition, on Arafat day. The interior cubic-shaped structure is washed with holy water and rose water. Kaaba servants and members of the diplomatic corps attended the washing rituals. The washing ritual is continuing following the Sunna of Prophet Mohammed (PBUH), who washed the Kaaba with aid of a number of close followers, thousands of years ago. Hundreds of thousands of Muslims from around the world visit the cloth-clad Kaaba, located in the center of the Grand Mosque of Makkah every year. All Muslims are required to make the pilgrimage to Makkah, one of the five pillars of Islam, at least once in lifetime, if they have the means to do so. (end) od.mab KUNA 072236 Jan 04NNNN