SUFI POETRY IN SOMALI

III

Poems in Praise of the Saints

According to the level of their spiritual attainments and
powers of intercession, the saints, who are venerated by
the Somalis, are classified into various ranks. The
highest position of this hierarchical order is occupied
by some of the famous spiritual personalities in Islam,

158.

namely FATIMAH and gA.WA'J , who are honoured as women saints

by the Somalis. The second position is taken by the

founder of the order; and the third position is assumed

by the eminent shaikhs of the order. I have arranged the

poems in this chapter in the order of this spiritual

hierarchy.

The praises of the saints are reminiscent of those of

the Prophit. The emphasis is on the attributes of the

saints and their power of intercession.