Directly above the Holy Kaaba hangs a small architectural element that many circumambulating worshippers may not notice, yet it carries a history spanning more than fourteen centuries. Thewaterspout of the Kaaba is one of the most prominent landmarks associated with the architecture of the Holy House, its name bound to the history of theKaaba's renovation and care across the different Islamic eras.

The story of this waterspout began when Quraysh rebuilt the Kaaba before the Prophet's mission, at a time when the Prophet was thirty-five years of age. In that construction, the firstwaterspout was placed on the Kaaba “made of wood” to serve a fundamental purpose: channelling rainwater collected on the Kaaba's roof away from its walls and courtyard.

As the Islamic eras succeeded one another, the design and materials of the waterspout evolved. The Umayyad era witnessed the first addition of gold, when Caliph Al-Walid ibn Abd Al-Malik ordered it gilded, transforming it from a simple engineering element into part of the Kaaba's distinctivearchitectural appearance.

Over the following centuries, the waterspout underwent several restoration and renewal operations, with caliphs, sultans and kings ensuring its preservation and renewal in a manner befitting the honour of the Holy House. The current Mizab measuresapproximately 258 centimetres in length, crafted from pure gold, with its inner sections lined with silver and secured using fine golden nails.

The last Saudi renewal of the Mizab took place during the reign of King Fahd bin Abdulaziz Al Saud in 1996, as part of the ongoing care devoted to the Holy Kaaba and its architectural elements.

Today, the waterspout of the Kaaba is no longer regarded merely as a water drainage tool, but as one of the prominentIslamic landmarks in the architecture of the Holy Kaaba, and a historical detail that reflects the evolution of care for the Holy House across the different Islamic eras.

The Kaaba’s Water Spout (Mizab) Through History:

The Ottoman Mizab

Ordered by Sultan Abdulmejid I, it is considered one of the most notable metal masterpieces used in adorning the Holy Kaaba. It remained in use for decades before being replaced during modern restoration works.

Early 20th Century

Historical photographs document the appearance of the Kaaba’s mizab and the Grand Mosque before modernexpansions, reflecting the architectural features of Islamic design during that period.

The Current Mizab

Known as the “Mizab al-Rahmah” (Spout of Mercy), it was renovated as part of the Kaaba’s restoration works. It is distinguished by its golden covering, giving it a unique architecturalcharacter, and it channels rainwater into the area of Hijr Ismail.

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