Introduction
Somalia, a country located in the Horn of Africa, has a rich Islamic heritage that is deeply embedded in the daily life, culture, and history of its people. Approximately ninety-nine percent of its population adheres to Islam, predominantly Sunni Muslims following the Shafi’i school of jurisprudence. This entry delves into the historical and contemporary landscape of Islam in Somalia, focusing on Sufi influences, political upheavals, and the emergence of various Islamic movements.
Etymology and Translation
- Etymology: The term “Somalia” is derived from the ethnolinguistic term “Soomaali” which refers to the Somali people.
- Arabic: الصومال في الإسلام (Al-Sumal fi al-Islam)
- Turkish: Somali’de İslam
Historical Context
Sufi Influences
The Qadiri, Ahmadi, Salihi, and Rifai Sufi orders have played an instrumental role in shaping Somali Islam. These orders, known for their spiritual practices, have brought Islamic teachings to the Somali people through a focus on mysticism and community-oriented rituals. The spread of Islam in Somalia dates back to the early arrivals of Muslim traders and scholars.
Political Turmoil
General Mohamed Siyad Barre’s Regime
- Coup and Repression: In 1969, General Mohamed Siyad Barre staged a coup and seized control of Somalia, ushering in a period marked by authoritarian rule. His government committed severe repressions against religious leaders, culminating in the execution of ten prominent religious figures.
- Massacres and Religious Persecution: Barre’s regime is infamous for the massacres of hundreds of religious leaders and their followers, driving a deep wedge between the state and the Islamic community.
- Islamic Renewal: In reaction to Barre’s aggressive secular policies, Somalia witnessed a significant Islamic renewal. Islamic opposition groups gained momentum, articulating their resistance to state oppression through the framework of religious revivalism.
Post-Barre: Civil War and Humanitarian Crisis
The fall of Siyad Barre’s regime in 1990 plunged Somalia into a period of chaos, characterized by ongoing civil wars, widespread banditry, and severe famine. This lead to a large-scale humanitarian crisis, prompting international intervention. In December 1992, the United Nations, led by the United States, initiated Operation Restore Hope to mitigate the conditions in Somalia.
Emergence of Islamic Movements
Post-Barre, Somalia witnessed the rise of several Islamic movements, most notably:
- Al-Ittihad al-Islami (Islamic Unity): This movement has become predominantly active in the northeastern regions of Somalia. Al-Ittihad al-Islami is known for its links with Sudan and Iran, representing a significant fraction of Islamic revivalist sentiment within the country.
Suggested Books for Further Study
- “Islam and Ethnicity in Northern Kenya and Southern Somalia: Somali Muslims in a Globalized World” by Derek Clontz
- “Holy War, Holy Peace: How Religion Shapes Somalia’s International Relations” by Christian Jopke
- “Heirs of the Prophet: Charisma and Religious Authority in Iranian Shi’ism” by Liyakat N. Takim (for comparison of religious authority styles)
Takeaways
- Ninety-nine percent of Somalis practice Islam, with historical roots significantly influenced by various Sufi orders.
- General Mohamed Siyad Barre’s regime was a turning point, leading to religious suppression and a consequent Islamic revival.
- The fall of Barre ushered in a tumultuous period, marked by civil wars and famine, necessitating international humanitarian interventions.
- Revivalist movements, particularly al-Ittihad al-Islami, underscore the ongoing influence and dynamics of Islam in Somalia.
Conclusion
Islam in Somalia is integral to the country’s identity, reflected not only in its near-universal practice among the population but also through the enduring legacies of its Sufi orders, political upheavals, and the rise of various Islamic movements. Understanding these facets is crucial to discerning the broader socio-political and cultural landscapes of Somalia today.
