| Culture of the Comoros |
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The predominantreligion in theComoros isIslam, with a smallChristian minority. Although the constitution, as revised in 2018, removed the reference to a state religion in the 2009 constitution, stating simply thatSunni Islam is the source of national identity, a 2008 law promulgated in January 2013 outlawed the practice of other forms of Islam in the country.[1][2] Propagation of non-Islamic religions is prohibited.[3]
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Islam is followed by over 98 percent of nearly 800,000Comorians, almost all of whom belong to theShafi'imadhhab ofSunni Islam.[4] Following a 1999 military coup, the new constitution of Comoros that was ratified in December 2001 provided for "the equality of all concerning rights and duties without distinctions based on sex, origin, race, religion or belief".[5][3] The Article 41 of the new constitution also set up the Council of Ulemas (Islamic scholars) to assist the Government of Comoros in their decisions affecting the religious life in Comoros.[5] The Comoros' constitution states that the "Islamic nature of the state" can not be changed, and makes Islamic law binding on all citizens of Comoros.[3]
Abandoning Islam and converting to another religion is a crime, and like inMauritania,Saudi Arabia andIran, this can lead to capital punishment.[6] The study of Islamic scriptures is mandatory in public schools, even for children of those who are not Muslims; however, the minorities have a right to operate their own school without the use of Islamic scriptures.[3][7]
According to local legend, Islam was brought to Comoros in the 7th century by Mtswa Mwindza, ruler of Mbude on Ngazidja, and Muhammad ibn Uthman, son ofUthman ibn Affan.[8] Their tombs are to be found in Ntsaweni, capital of Mbude.[8]
About 98% of the population in theComoros are SunniMuslim.[3] Islam and its institutions have helped to integrate Comorian society and provide identification with a world beyond the islands' shores. Most adherents are ofArab,African orMalagasy origin, but there are also people ofIndian andEuropean descent.
Comorians follow religious observances conscientiously and strictly adhere to religious orthodoxy.[9] During colonization, theFrench did not attempt to supplant Islamic practices and were careful to respect the precedents ofsharia as interpreted by theShafi'i school of thought.[9] All Muslim holidays are observed, includingId al-Adha,Muharram,Ashura,Mawlid, Laylat al-Mi'raj andRamadan. Mawlid is marked by celebrations culminating in a feast prepared for the ulama. Comorians often consult mwalimus orfundi for healing and protection fromjinn.[10]
In 2009, approximately 2% of the Comoros population practicedChristianity; these are generallyRoman Catholics.[11][3] In 2020, the figure was 0.5%.[12]
Proselytizing of Christianity or any other non-Islamic religion is prohibited.[3]
This article incorporates text from this source, which is in thepublic domain.{{cite encyclopedia}}: CS1 maint: postscript (link) This article incorporatespublic domain material fromThe World Factbook.CIA.
