Cheikh Al Maarouf Day

In the Union Of Comoros, March 18th is celebrated every year as Cheikh Al Maarouf Day. This is a day that honors the life of an important religious figure on the anniversary of his birth. Al Maarouf studied the Koran before he headed to Zanzibar to continue his religious studies.

When he arrived back in Comoros, he introduced Sufism to not only the country but 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 shinning materialism in all of 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.
  • This country is located between the eastern coast of Africa and Madagascar.
  • It’s one of the least populous countries in the world.
  • Most people on this island make their living from subsistence farming or fishing.
  • Comoros has a small number of tourists each year.
  • Its largest city and its capital is Moroni.
  • This 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. This 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.

Where is it celebrated?
Comoros (Observance)
When is it?
This year (2024)
March 18 Monday
Next year (2025)
March 18 Tuesday
Last year (2023)
March 18 Saturday