Masjid Al-Haram in Makkah is the holiest site in Islam, visited by millions of Muslims from around the world. Every day, countless worshippers pray, perform tawaf around the Ka'aba, and prostrate on the soft carpets that cover the mosque’s vast floors. But have you ever wondered how these carpets remain clean and fragrant despite the heavy foot traffic?
Behind the scenes, a dedicated team works tirelessly to maintain the purity and cleanliness of Masjid Al-Haram, ensuring that every worshipper experiences comfort and serenity. The process of washing the carpets is not just a routine task it is an act of devotion, love, and service to the House of Allah.
The carpets of Masjid Al-Haram are no ordinary carpets; they are specially designed, soft, and meticulously crafted to provide comfort to millions of worshippers. Their maintenance requires a highly organized and systematic approach.
1. Daily Care and Maintenance
Every day, the carpets are vacuumed and dusted to remove dirt and particles brought in by the thousands of visitors. This ensures that the prayer space remains clean throughout the day. Workers also use perfumed sanitizers to refresh the carpets, giving the entire mosque a pleasant and peaceful aroma.
2. The Washing Process
While daily maintenance keeps the carpets fresh, a more thorough cleaning process takes place regularly. The carpets are carefully removed and transported to a specialized cleaning facility where they undergo a deep washing process.
Dust and Debris Removal: Before washing, the carpets are shaken and brushed to remove any remaining dust.
Washing and Disinfection: Using high-quality detergents and water, the carpets are gently scrubbed to remove stains, ensuring they remain soft and undamaged.
Rinsing and Drying: The carpets are then rinsed thoroughly and placed in a controlled drying environment to prevent any shrinkage or damage.
Perfuming and Inspection: After drying, the carpets are treated with high-quality perfumes, leaving them with a beautiful fragrance. A final inspection ensures they are flawless before being returned to Masjid Al-Haram.
3. Replacing and Rotating Carpets
Due to continuous use, carpets are periodically replaced with new ones. When a new batch of carpets arrives, they are carefully installed, ensuring they align perfectly for the comfort of worshippers.
For those involved in this sacred duty, cleaning the carpets of Masjid Al-Haram is not just a job it is an act of worship. Every sweep, wash, and spray is done with sincerity and love, knowing that they are serving the guests of Allah.
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) emphasized the importance of cleanliness in Islam, saying:
> "Cleanliness is half of faith." (Sahih Muslim)
These workers embody this teaching by dedicating their time and energy to maintaining the purity of the most sacred place on earth.
A Reminder for All of Us
The meticulous care given to the carpets of Masjid Al-Haram serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of cleanliness in our own lives. Just as we admire the spotless beauty of the mosque, we should strive to keep our hearts, homes, and places of worship clean both physically and spiritually.
Next time you visit Masjid Al-Haram or see images of its beautiful carpets, take a moment to reflect on the silent devotion of those who ensure its purity. Their work may go unnoticed by many, but their reward is with Allah, for they serve in a place that is beloved to Him.
May Allah bless them for their dedication, and may He grant us all the love for cleanliness and devotion in our own acts of worship. Ameen.