Over the years, the Holy Kaaba’s Kiswa has been shaped by the skill and dedication of many craftsmen who contributed to its distinctive artistic character, and the late calligrapher Abdul Rahim Amin Bukhari is among the most notable of them for his remarkable work in Arabic calligraphy and Islamic design.
Born in Makkah in 1335 AH, Bukhari was raised in a cultural setting that appreciated Islamic artistic traditions, and he showed a natural aptitude for Arabic calligraphy from a young age. Over time, this talent grew into a long and distinguished career devoted to serving the Holy Kaaba, where he used his expertise to refine and beautify the Arabic inscriptions and decorative elements of the Kiswa.
His works included several enduring contributions, most notably the embroidered inscriptions on the Holy Kaaba’s Kiswa, the design and calligraphy of the Kaaba’s gate curtain, and the execution of the inscriptions and decorative motifs on the gates of the Kaaba.
Over more than 30 years, he took part in producing 21 Kiswas and supervised the calligraphy and decoration of three Kaaba gates, becoming a respected figure in this specialized craft.
In recognition of his distinguished service, his name was inscribed on the Kiswa during the reign of King Faisal bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. It remains to this day as a lasting tribute to his contribution and legacy.
Source: Riyadh Daily