Holy Kaaba's chief key holder Sheikh Saleh Al-Shaiba breathes his last

Chief key holder and caretaker of the Holy Kaaba Dr Sheikh Saleh Al-Shaiba breathed his last Saturday morning after a prolonged illness. 

Al-Shaiba the 109th guardian of the Holy Kaaba and successor to the companion Uthman ibn Talha.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed his grief over Al-Shaiba’s demise and prayed for his higher ranks in the heaven.

“Every Muslim takes pride at the fortune of Dr Sheikh Saleh Al-Shaiba,” the premier said.

After being prayed upon in Masjid Al-Haram, Al-Shaiba was laid to rest in Al-Mualla Cemetery, reported Khaleej Times.

Notably, he visited Pakistan last November for six days. Moreover, he met top leaders of the country during his visit.

For about 1600 years, the Banu Shaiba tribe, the guardians of the Kaaba, have held the keys. Sacred duties also called as "Sadna Baytullah", that are performed by them, include caring for the Kaaba, opening and closing it, cleaning, preparing and repairing its cover as needed.

Even if its door is replaced, the key of the Kaaba remains unchanged. The key holder will always come from the Al-Shaiba family according to the will of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).