Cheikh Al Maarouf Day
In the Union of Comoros, March 18th is celebrated every year as Cheikh Al Maarouf Day. This day honors the life of an important religious figure on the anniversary of his birth. Al Maarouf studied the Quran before he headed to Zanzibar to continue his religious studies.
Comoros (Observance)When he returned to Comoros, he introduced Sufism not only to the country but to all of East Africa as well. Sufism is a mystical form of Islam that places an emphasis on the inward search for God, all while shunning materialism in all its forms.
Facts About Comoros
As we researched this holiday, we realized that there were some people who didn’t know anything about this small East African nation, so we decided to add some facts about it that might shed some light on Comoros and its people.
- Comoros is a sovereign archipelago island nation located in the Indian Ocean.
- The country is situated between the eastern coast of Africa and Madagascar.
- It is one of the least populous countries in the world.
- Most people on the islands make their living from subsistence farming or fishing.
- Comoros receives a small number of tourists each year.
- Its largest city and capital is Moroni.
- The island nation has three official languages: Comorian, Arabic, and French.
Observing Cheikh Al Maarouf Day in Comoros
Since Al Maarouf shunned materialism, this holiday is observed by attending religious services and by searching oneself for clues to enlightenment. It is also a public holiday, so the general population has a day off in Comoros, and government buildings, schools, and businesses are closed on this day.
Comoros (Observance)
