Abdul Rahim Amin Bukhari: The Calligrapher Who Left His Mark on the Kaaba
When millions of Muslims turn toward the Kaaba in Mecca for prayer, few may realize that the sweeping gold calligraphy on its iconic black cloth, the Kiswa, bears the legacy of a single artist — Abdul Rahim Amin Bukhari.
A master calligrapher from Mecca, Abdul Rahim Amin Bukhari dedicated his life to adorning Islam’s holiest site with words of divine beauty. His name, though not widely known outside Saudi Arabia, lives on in gold thread, etched into the sacred fabric that veils the Kaaba.
Abdul Rahim Amin Bukhari was born in 1917 in Mecca — a city pulsing with spiritual rhythm and Islamic tradition. As a boy surrounded by centuries-old mosques and devotional art, Bukhari was drawn to Arabic calligraphy early in life. What began as a childhood passion grew into a lifelong vocation.
At just 15, he joined the Kiswah Factory, newly established in 1927 by King Abdulaziz. This factory, devoted to producing the Kaaba’s annual covering, became the cradle of his artistic journey. Bukhari trained under the best, learning the subtle curves and disciplined elegance of classical scripts.
By the 1930s, he had risen to become chief technician, and eventually deputy director by the 1960s. His path was defined not only by artistic talent, but by humility and devotion.
Every year, the Kiswa is renewed — a majestic cloth of black silk, embroidered with Qur’anic verses in gold and silver thread. Its creation is a sacred task, and for decades, Bukhari was the pen behind its powerful script.
Specializing in the Thuluth script — a flowing, monumental style favored for religious inscriptions — Bukhari laid out every curve and flourish of the divine text. His designs set the standard, and to this day, artisans use his original layouts when crafting the Kiswa’s golden band (known as the hizam). His was not merely a job; it was an offering.
More than a technician, he was the soul of the Kiswa’s design. The gold lettering that millions of pilgrims see and touch was once inked by his hand on tracing paper, then embroidered stitch by stitch by a team he led and trained.
A Historic Commission: The Kaaba Door of 1944
One of the defining moments in Bukhari’s career came in 1944, when King Abdulaziz ordered the creation of a new door for the Kaaba. The old door, weathered by time, was to be replaced with a gilded masterpiece — and it was Bukhari who was asked to inscribe it with sacred text.
His calligraphy, rendered in bold Thuluth script, graced the new door’s copper and silver panels. The shahada (Islamic testimony of faith), the names of God, and select Qur’anic verses adorned its surface. These inscriptions were engraved into the metal by artisans, preserving Bukhari’s artistry in gleaming permanence.
This door, installed in 1947, became a symbol not just of royal generosity, but of spiritual craftsmanship. It was the first of two Kaaba doors Bukhari worked on — the second being the current door installed in 1979, which also features his calligraphy.
The Man Behind the Script
Though quiet and devoted, Bukhari’s work earned him respect at the highest levels. He wrote verses for early Saudi flags in the 1930s, crafted inscriptions for ceremonial mosque curtains, and even lettered the Rawdah curtain in Medina. King Faisal recognized his service by having Bukhari’s name woven into the Kiswa itself — a singular honor that continues to this day.
Visitors to Mecca who gaze upon the Kaaba’s belt will find his name hidden in gold — Abdul Rahim Amin. It is a subtle yet profound tribute to the man who helped shape the visual identity of Islam’s holiest structure.
A Living Legacy in Silk and Gold
Even after his passing in the late 1990s, Abdul Rahim Amin Bukhari’s calligraphy remains alive, literally sewn into the Kaaba each year. His templates are still used for the Kiswa’s verses, his scripts guide modern artisans, and his legacy continues to bridge art and worship in the most sacred way imaginable.
In the world of Islamic calligraphy, Bukhari stands as a pillar — not only for his mastery of pen and ink, but for how his work sanctified space. Every Muslim who looks at the Kaaba is unknowingly reading the words he shaped. Every stitch of gold thread reflects his lifelong devotion to making divine words beautiful.
Delegation from the International Islamic Academy of Uzbekistan pays visit to Indonesia
A delegation of the International Islamic Academy of Uzbekistan, led by the Advisor to the Rector Utkir Khasanbaev, has concluded a working visit to Indonesia, reports Dunyo IA.
During the visit, the representatives of Uzbekistan held negotiations at the National Counter Terrorism Agency of the Republic of Indonesia (BNPT).
During the meeting with Director of the Agency's International Cooperation Department, National Police General of Indonesia Dhani Hernando, the sides discussed issues concerning the advancement of interaction between the relevant authorities of the two nations, the implementation of joint projects, and the establishment of a systematic exchange of experience.
Dhani Hernando delivered an overview of the agency's operations. It was noted that the BNPT was established in 2010 to protect the citizens and national interests of Indonesia from terrorist threats, prevent radicalization processes, and ensure the security and stability of the state. Currently, the Agency, in coordination with law enforcement bodies, religious figures, educational institutions, civil society institutes, and international partners, is executing comprehensive measures aimed at eliminating the root causes of terrorism and violent extremism.
Particular attention during the meeting was focused on the Indonesian experience in deradicalization. It was emphasized that this process must not be confined exclusively to the activities of law enforcement agencies. A vital role is played by the broad engagement of families, religious leaders, local communities and civil society institutions, alongside the application of a tailored, individualized approach that factors in the unique characteristics and needs of each individual. Such a comprehensive approach was recognized as a key element in preventing extremism, bolstering social stability and ensuring both national and international security.
Furthermore, the delegation held negotiations with Dr. Ani Siska MY, Vice Rector II for Human Resources, Infrastructure, Finance, Business, Cooperation and Marketing at Sahid University (Universitas Sahid), Indonesia.
During the conversation, the sides discussed the further expansion of cooperation within the framework of the Memorandum of Understanding signed between the two higher education institutions in 2023. In particular, the parties reviewed issues concerning the organization of faculty and student exchanges, the development of joint lecture programs, the facilitation of academic visits and the implementation of collaborative research projects.
University representative invited the Academy to co-organize an international conference on social development issues, scheduled to take place this October. Furthermore, it was noted that while experience in implementing joint master’s degree programs is currently absent, this direction could potentially become an important aspect of bilateral cooperation in the future.
Following the meeting, the sides agreed to develop a joint “roadmap” for the practical implementation of the Memorandum of Cooperation signed in 2023. Academic mobility, the delivery of online lectures, and the advancement of scientific, educational-methodological and digital cooperation were identified as priority areas.
Furthermore, the delegation observed the operations of the Center for Pilgrimage Tourism Research at Sahid University.
Within the framework of the visit, the delegation met with the Vice President of the Centre for Strategic and International Studies of Indonesia (CSIS), Dr. Medilina Hendytio.
During the talks, it was noted that CSIS was established on September 1, 1971, in Jakarta as an independent, non-profit think tank dedicated to formulating evidence-based recommendations and proposals aimed at improving state policy.
Today, Center conducts research in the fields of economics, international relations, politics and social transformations, while also publishing scholarly journals such as the “Indonesian Quarterly” (IQ) and “Analisis CSIS”. Concurrently, CSIS is actively engaged in research aimed at preventing violent extremism, identifying high-risk groups and formulating analytical recommendations for state programs.
For his part, Utkir Khasanbaev noted that cooperation between Uzbekistan and Indonesia is advancing to a qualitatively new level. According to him, particular significance attaches to the development of interaction in safeguarding the youth from the influence of radical and extremist ideologies, conducting collaborative scientific research, enhancing strategic communications and formulating alternative educational narratives.
During the meeting, it was emphasized that the exchange of experience will facilitate the further development of bilateral cooperation. The CSIS representatives highlighted the existing opportunities for foreign scholars, doctoral students, and independent researchers to work on scientific projects based at the Center, secure targeted grants and undertake international research fellowships. Academy’s delegation was also invited to participate in the visiting scholars program, the non-resident researchers program and international research internships.
All the meetings held within the framework of the visit transpired in a warm and constructive atmosphere, establishing a vital foundation for the further development of cooperation between Uzbekistan and Indonesia in the fields of education, science, as well as the prevention of radicalization and violent extremism.
