SUFI POETRY IN SOMALI

Duhur galay sidiisa u daahirow, di11i weyn

qiyaame dusha nooga mari

o you who shine like the mid-day sun; on the

Day of Resurrection, cover us over with your

vast shade

(Text 17/18)

Dayax nuur badanoo, daacad 100 qabsadow

o luminous moon which is faithfully pursued

(Text 20/18)

Light may also represent mystical power:

Dayax nuur ku yaaloo la daawadoon, nag a

~oorsamaynow diyaar ahaw

o light of the moon which people are glad to
watch and which never hides from us; be always
ready to help us
(Text 17/17)
A deep sense of tranquillity and an absence of danger may

23.1 •

sometimes emanate from the use of light as a poetic metaphor:

Nuuraaniyow nin ku soo xusaa, nafci xoog 1eh iyo

nabad buu helaa

o radiant light, the man who remembers you receives

great benefits and peace

(Text 17/26)

Ninkii ku xusaa nusqaan rna arkee, nabaddiina nuurka

diinka ahey

The man who remembers peace you is never the meets light of failure; faith

(Text 19/25)