SUFI POETRY IN SOMALI

v

The Sufi Poetry in Arabic Written

by Somalis

Among all Somalis and particularly among Sufis, Classical
Arabic enjoys great prestige and is regarded as a sacred
language. This is reflected in the frequently used

50.

phrase afkii Ilaahay 'the language of God' which is applied

to it. Classicai Arabic is regarded as more appropriate

in prayers and Sufi liturgy than any other language,

including Somali. It adds honour and solemnity to prayer

and is believed to render it more efficacious. In its

written form, it is also regarded as the most appropriate

vehicle for theological discussion and religious instruction.

Allover the Somali speaking territories MSS of

religious works in Arabic written by Somalis can be found

and some of them have been published. Bibliographical

guidance to the published material is provided in Johnson 1969

and in Andrzejewski 1974i.

Although all the Sufi orders have been active among

Somali people, the QADIRIYYAH has produced the largest

number of authors who have written Sufi prose and pcetry.. I

In addition to its traditional role, as the producer of

itinerant theologians who teach the Quran and basic

knowledge of Muslim theology and law to the nomadic children,

the QADIRIYYAH offers advanced instruction in Sufism. The

various Sufi communities of the order (JAMACAT) turn out

men of religion 'wadaaddo' who acquire a considerable know-

ledge of religious literature in Arabi~. It is these men