Custodian of the Kaaba

The person who takes up the role receives the title Custodian of the Kaaba (Arabic: سدانة الكعبة, Sadinat al-Ka'bah).

This may include renovating, repairing and cleaning the sanctuary as well as replacing the kiswah (covering of the Kaaba) if it is dirty or torn.

[3][4] The Quraysh rose to prominence years later, and, after an armed struggle with the Khuza'ah, were able to wrest control of all of Mecca from them, seizing custodianship of the Kaaba.

[3][4] Qusayy ibn Kilab of the Quraysh succeeded Abu Ghabshan of the Khuza'ah in the custodianship of the Kaaba, after the latter had sold the former the keys in exchange for wine.

[1][6] Sheikh Abdul Wahhab bin Zain Al-Abidin Al-Shaibi is the current holder of the key of the Kaaba as of 25 June 2024.

The old key to the Kaaba, which was used during the late Mamluk period.
A picture of Omar Effendi, the custodian during the Ottoman period