Islam in Comoros is the dominant religion, deeply woven into the culture, identity, and daily life of the island nation.

Overview

• Country: Comoros (an island nation in the Indian Ocean, between Madagascar and Mozambique)
• Religion: Islam is the official religion
• Population: ~99% of the population is Muslim
• Denomination: Sunni Islam, mostly of the Shafi‘i school (a major school of Islamic jurisprudence)

Historical Background

• Arrival of Islam (9th–10th centuries):
  Islam came to Comoros through Arab and Persian traders, sailors, and missionaries. The islands were a stopping point along Indian Ocean trade routes, connecting East Africa with the Middle East and Asia.
• Islamization:
  Over centuries, the Comorian people gradually embraced Islam. By the 15th century, Islam was well-established and had become central to social and political life.
• Sultanates and Islamic Rule:
  Various Islamic sultanates ruled the islands before colonial intervention. Islamic scholarship, mosques, and Arabic literacy thrived.

Colonial Period

French colonization (19th–20th century):
France colonized Comoros in the 19th century but allowed Islam to continue playing a central role in society. However, Islamic influence was somewhat reduced in education and governance under French rule.

Islam Today in Comoros

National Identity:
Islam is not just a religion in Comoros — it’s part of the nation’s identity. The Comorian constitution declares Islam as the state religion.

Religious Practice:

• Daily prayers, Ramadan fasting, and other Islamic obligations are widely practiced.
• Friday prayers (Jumu‘ah) are a significant part of the week.
• Islamic holidays like Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha are national celebrations.

Education:
Children often attend Qur’anic schools (madrasas) alongside public schools. Arabic is taught for religious reasons, though the main language is Comorian (Shikomor), a Swahili dialect with Arabic influences.

Influence of Scholars:
Local imams and religious leaders play an important role in community life and dispute resolution.

• Religious Harmony and Law
  Comoros is overwhelmingly Muslim, so religious conflicts are rare.
• Shariah influences family and personal laws, but the state also uses civil law.

Key Takeaways:

• Islam came via Arab traders and became the foundation of society.
• The Shafi‘i Sunni school is the main denomination.
• Islamic traditions, culture, and festivals are strongly observed.
• The country balances Islamic tradition with modern governance.

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Comoros
Country Code Top-Level Domain: .km
Country Code: +269