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Pakistani Muhammad Ashiq Hussain, the visionary behind the crafting of the central doors of the Kaaba and the revered covering for the Hajar-e-Aswad (the Black Stone), has passed away.
Hailing from Ahmad Pur Sharqia in the Bahawalpur district of Pakistan, Muhammad Ashiq’s lineage in craftsmanship was deeply rooted. His father, Malik Ghulam Qadir, a skilled goldsmith, once served in the prestigious palace of Nawab Sadiq Muhammad Abbasi of Bahawalpur.
In 1970, Muhammad Ashiq ventured to Medina, Saudi Arabia, starting his journey as a humble shepherd. However, destiny had grander plans for him, leading him to become a prominent figure in the gold trade within Saudi Arabia.
The legacy of Muhammad Ashiq’s company extends far beyond borders. Tasked with the monumental responsibility of installing the central doors of the Kaaba, crafted from 200 kilograms of pure gold, his company also undertook the construction and installation of the Baitul Allah Sharif (the Holy Kaaba) door.
Moreover, his company’s ingenuity manifested in the design and installation of the spout, responsible for directing rainwater from the Kaaba’s roof to the ground.
In a pivotal moment in 1978, when the Saudi government initially awarded the contract for the redesign of the central doors to a Lebanese company, Muhammad Ashiq’s unwavering dedication and craftsmanship came to the forefront. Stepping in, his company meticulously crafted the doors with 200 kilograms of pure gold, completing the installation in a mere 15 days through relentless diligence.
As a testament to his unparalleled contributions, Muhammad Ashiq humbly requested soil from the Kaaba, symbolizing the culmination.
