SUFI POETRY IN SOMALI

17.4 •

Text 18

According to Somali tradition, Sheekh Yuusuf Barkhadle was
the first person who developed a mnemonic system in Somali
for learning Arabic script and thus enhanced the study of the
Quran. Moreover, according to a legend about the encounter
between him and a powerful magician, Bucurbacayr, the Shaikh

overpowered his adversary and destroyed him. In consequence

of this and his other deeds, SheekhYuusuf Barkhadle gained

a wide reputation as a man of knowledge and a prominent Sufi

saint. His reputation spread to all the Somali populated

areas; and during the yearly comemmoration feast, 11is shrine

attracts pilgrims from many parts of the country and becomes

a scene of prayer and communal festivity. An account of the

cult of this Sufi saint can be found in Lewis 1969 and of his

encounter with Bucurbacayr in Laurence 1954. In this poem,

Sheekh Caaqib Cabdilaahi praises the Shaikh and seeks his inter-

cessio.n.

Sheekh Barkhadle·

1. Sheeli-laah yaa Shariif Yuu5uf, Barkhadle sheekul-Islaami

2. Imaamkii noo ijtihaadee, amarkiisii anfac yeeshow

.3. Afka Soomaal alifka kii, xuruufta noogu islaaxow

4. Ijtihaad kii badinaayee, arlada nuur u ahaayow
   5. Barakada 1.::aan ku helaynee, sharciga aad 11 bayaanshow
   ~. Talo Eebbaad qabsanaysee, weligaa taamka ahaa yow

7. Nin siyaartaa sabadiisa, sawaabuu aad u helaaye

·8. Jinni iyo insi Islaamka, jidkii khayrkee la jeclaayow