Kaaba Key May Have Been Sneaked Out in Olden Times, Says Al-Shaybi

Following the sale of a 800-year-old key thought to be of the Kaaba for $18 million at Sotheby’s in London last week, Keeper of the Kaaba Saleh Al-Shaybi, whose ancestors have safeguarded the key to the holy house for centuries, has called on wealthy Muslims the world over to help return the key to its rightful place.

Shaybi, who would not elaborate whether the key is genuine or not, said, “It might have been sneaked out in olden times.”

Saudi Historian Hani Fairouzi wondered how the key could have been stolen and said its theft is no ordinary criminal act, but amounted to robbing the people as a whole. “It is saddening to learn a priceless piece of legacy has been smuggled out from its rightful place. With all my admiration and regard for Saleh Al-Shaybi, I would like to point out that the keepers of the holy house are responsible for its keys as well,” he said.

“I appeal to the authorities in the Kingdom to research the topic. If the key could be smuggled out, then other things could also meet the same fate,” the historian said. “In fact, the key is a trust handed by the Prophet (peace be upon him) to the Shayba family, who are responsible for it before anyone else. It is the duty of the Muslim world, including the Kingdom, to return the key to its right place,” he added.

Fairouzi said the Organization of Islamic Conference, the Muslim World League and all other Islamic associations should jointly work to return the key to Makkah. “UNESCO should take steps to stop the theft of such culturally and religiously significant items,” he added.

Commenting on the incident, Saudi writer Intisar Al-Okayl said, “There were contradictions in Al-Shaybi’s statement — he did not confirm whether the key was lost. On the other hand, he wants the key to be returned. This means that the key was lost or missing.”

She further added that the keys of the Kaaba should be properly recorded so that any loss could be immediately detected. “A thief who steals the key to the Kaaba would be doing it after learning about its significance and value. The aim of that thief would be to make money,” she said.

Al-Okayl said it is the duty of wealthy Muslims to return the key to its rightful place. “If the present owner demands a huge price, then Muslims can raise the money jointly. It cannot be ruled out that if this key is bought by the Muslims, some one else may appear claiming that he had another key of the Kaaba. So any attempt to exploit the sentiments of Muslims should be identified,” Al-Okayl said.