SUFI POETRY IN SOMALI

To God belong the Names
most beautiful; so call
by them.
(Quran, VII, 175)
The Traditions of the Prophet (AIJADITH) also state the

importance of the use of Remembrance as an essential means

to attain spiritual realization. The Prophet said:

It is pronouncing Thy Name

that I must die and live.

(BUKBARI, IV, 187-188)

2.5 •

In addition to the Quranic proclamations and the affirmation~

of the tradition concerning the Prophet, the Sufi literature~
particularly the poetry, abounds in the calls to Remembrance
of God. For example, the Sufi poetry in Somali is full

of declarations such as the following:l

Ra'i teen, 'Raaxo adduun rays ma lahee,

rajali Aakhiro weeye Rabbi xus.'

RAO said, 'The comforts of this world do

not last; remember your Lord, for the
eternal bliss is in the Other World.'
(Text 22/10)
Again, the same poet who composed the above line, the

celebrated Sheekh Cali Cabdiraxmaan, summons his audience:

Thus under

individual

Kha'i teen, 'Khaatuma doon khaaf Rabbaka,

Khaaliqa caabud adoon khayrle ahaw.'

KHk' said, '0 you, seeker of the fruitful

end;. fear the Lord and worship the Creator

and be a pious servant. ,

(Text 22/7)

the guidance of a shaikh who offers them both

and communal instruction In TA~AWWUF the