Dr. Saleh bin Zain Al-Abidin Al-Shaibi, the senior caretaker of the Kaaba, passed away on Friday evening in Makkah.
Funeral prayers were held after Fajr on Saturday at the Grand Mosque. Dr. Al-Shaibi, who earned a doctorate in Islamic studies, was a respected university professor and author.
He was the 77th key holder of the Kaaba since the conquest of Makkah, responsible for its maintenance and welcoming visitors. He succeeded his uncle, Abdulqader Taha Al-Shaibi, in 2013.
His son, Abdulrahman Saleh Al-Shaibi, expressed the family’s deep sorrow and acceptance of Allah’s will, noting his father’s recent illness and enduring patience.
The community also shared in their grief, mourning the loss of a devoted family pillar. Dr. Al-Shaibi chaired the Department of Creed at Umm Al-Qura University for over twenty years, making significant scholarly contributions. He also served on the Saudi Dr. Saleh bin Zain Al-Abidin Al-Shaibi Passes Away in Makkah Shoura Council, appointed by King Fahd bin Abdulaziz, and acted as deputy to his uncle before becoming the senior caretaker.
Abdulrahman mentioned his father’s wish for him to hold the guardianship and key to the Kaaba. If this wish is not fulfilled, his uncle Abdulwahab Al-Shaibi will assume the role.
The family’s cousin, Nizar Al- Shaibi, highlighted the overwhelming support from society, which helped ease their grief. The General Presidency for the Affairs of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque mourned Dr. Al-Shaibi’s death, extending their deepest condolences.
Khaled Al-Husseini, an expert on Makkah’s affairs, also expressed deep sorrow, praising Dr. Al-Shaibi’s contributions as a scholar and lecturer at Umm Al-Qura University. Dr. Al-Shaibi’s legacy of knowledge and service will continue to inspire future generations.