Marka kowaad Axdiga Qaranka iyo dawladuba waa ku meel gaar. Qorshuhu waxa weeyaan in Dastuur Qaran oo cusub la sameeyo. Dastuurkaas cusub ayaa markaas jidayn doona in dawlad qaran oo rasmi ahi dhisanto. Waqtigan xaadirka ah labo arrimood ayaa ugu muhiimsan in laysku mashquuliyo.1) in dalka laga abuuro xaalad nabadgelyo iyo degganaansho si markaas waqti loogu helo in la qoro Dastuurka cusub aftina loogu qaado. 2) in Dalka loo diyaariyo in doorashooyin xaq ah oo xalaal ahi ay ka dhacaan. In hadda xabad wax lagu raadiyaa labada qodob ee sare ku qoran ayey dib u riixaysaa. Dagaal ka dib arrintu markasta nabadgelyo ayey ku dambaynaysaa. Waqtigan oo dagaal dheer aynu ka soo gudubnay fursadan furan ee nabadgelyada ah in laga faa'iidaysto ayaa waajib ah. Haddii taas hadda la garan waayo waxaa dhici karta in dhaqso loo galo waqti ay adkaan karto in nabadgelyo la abuuro. Caqliga sami waa kan waxa soo socda garta oo markaas si nabadgelyo iyo raxmadi ku jirto ugu diyaargarooba; waxyeeladana ka fogeeya naftiisa iyo gaar ahaan nafaha kale. Tan labaad waa wax jira in Axdigan ku meel gaarka ahi uu lahaan karo qodobo aan diinta waafaqsanayn. Qodobadaas dastuurka cusub ee la qori doono ayaa lagu saxayaa. Fekerka oranaya wax ha laga beddelo axdigan hadda jiraa ma aha mid laga fiirsaday; xalna ma aha in axdigan wax laga beddelo ee waa in lagu meel gaaraa. Ka dibna mid cusub oo inagu aynu qoranay lagu beddelaa. Qolada mucaaridka ahi waa inay gartaan in aan hadda loo bahayn wax baa khaldan iyo halkan baa khaldan waayo khaladaadku way badan yihiin.Wax kastaa waqtigeeda ha sugeen! Hadda waxa loo baahan yahay in xaalad nabadgelyo la abuuro oo markaas: B)Dawladda iyadoo la iskaashanayo loo hawlgalo in laysla meel dhigo ummadda meeshii loo hoggaamin lahaa. T) La isla meel dhigo waxa laga yeelayo Ciidamada ajnebi ee dalka jooga iyo kuwo cusub oo dalka imaan kara. J) Iyadoo laga wada qayb qaadano la sameeyo dastuur cusub loona diyaargaroobo doorashooyin xaq iyo xalaal ah labo sano iyo bar ka dib. Waa muhim wada-tashi iyo is-maqal in aynu yeelano. Qorigana in layska wada dhigo weeyaan oo wada hadal wax lagu xaliyo. Anigu ma garan karo faa'iido ku jirta in aad disho walaalkaa/walaashaa oo diin iyo dalba aad wadaagtaan. Aakhirona ciqaab ayaa lagala kulmi karaa ficilka noocan ah ifka silic iyo saxariir qofka naftiisa ah iyo nafaha dadka kale. Gaar ahaan culimada iyo wax-garadka soomaaliyeed waa in ay dadka ku waaniyaan in dagaal soomaali dhexdeeda ah laga waantoobo. Sidaas waa in aynu yeelna haddii aynu doonayno in diin iyo dal la badbaadiyo. Ilaahay kuwii dantooda garta ha inaga dhigo. Aamin. Toosiye2

Magac wanaagsan baad u bixisay markaad tiri 'jihaadka furaashka'. Bi macna ma aha raaxo ee waa hawl. Meel baan ka akhriyey in maraykanku marka dalka Afghanistan ay intel-ka urursanayaan ay ku xod-xotaan ragga dhowrka xaas leh kiniinka hamada kordhiya ee loo yaqaan Viagra. Hal gabar may iska haystaan ayaad is-weydiin kartaa haddii aysan labo iyo ka badan awood u hayn. Wadaadadeennuse hilibka ayey aad u cunaan kaas oo la sheego in uu xaggaas isaguna wax ka taro. Wadaad xer ah oo reer soo martiyey ayaa laga hayaa "lafo buurbuuranley ridu waa belaayee, wankii bari laa belaayada kaa xijaabee Ilaahay maad ka yaabtaan oo na siisaan". Nimco kastaa nusqaan leh ayey soomaalidu ku maah-maahdaa. Koley meesha guurku ku bato furistuna way ku badataa. Dhibaatadeeda ayey leedahay marka gabdhihii wax la dhadhansiiyey bannaanka la dhigo. Markaan ku soo noqdo qodobkii doodeenna, isagaa wax walba oge, Ilaahay ha ina waafajiyo sida khayrku ku jiro. Toosiye2

Walaal Nur, Dad baa ku dooda in wadaadadu ku xeel dheer yihiin baayac-mushtarka iyo guurka laakiin siyaasadda soo gelooti ku yihiin. Siday wax u socdaan markaan eego marmar baan is iraahdaa arrintaasi waa run! Intan waa iga kaftan. Waxaad tiri: Walaal, markey awoodi waayeen iney Islaamka ka tirtiraan waddankeenna oo labaatankii sano oo hore loo adeegsaday iney qabil u udeegsadaan iney isku kaaya laayaan, ayaa hadda wexey bilaabeen iney madhab diineed oo la isku diro noo adeegsadaan, weligeed lama sheegin labo wadaad oo hub isu qaadatay, waanad ogtahay qolada magacooda loo adeegsaday oo aan hubo iney iyagu bari ka yihiin baatilka loo nisbeeyay, saa waa walaalahayo. Mar haddaan sidaa u ognahay in aan ka digtoonaano oo iska ilaalino in aan dabinka ku dhacno ayaa loo baahan yahay. Qorshe ku salaysan nabad oo ina samato bixinaya in aan samaysano ayaa loo baahan yahay. Haddii la doonayo in dalka la badbaadiyo qorshahaas in dawladda keliya laga dhawro ma ahaa ee waa in laga wada qayb qaataa. Gaar ahaan dadka aqoonta sare leh oo aad ku jirto waa inay nabad tilmaamaan oo nabad ka hadlaan kuna dhaqmaan. Waxaa tiri: Ma moogi, in Allah yiri " Haddey nabad uu liicaanna, adiguna u liic waxaase Allah na xasuusiyay, inay khiyaano ka marnayn raggaas " Haddey doonaan iney ku khayaanaan se, (ogow) iney mar hore Allah soo khayaaneen ( isku dayeen iney Allah khiyaanaan) markaasuu Allah idiinka hiilliyay ood ka gacan sarreyseen" Nabad way u liiceen. Ciidankii xoogga ku soo galay dalka wuu ka baxay. Kuwa jooga ama imaan doonana adigoon dagaal adeegsan ayaad dariiqo sharci ah oo Golaha Shacabka ama gole kale la marayo ku saari kartaa. Wax baahi ah oo loo qabo in cid lala dagaalamo meesha ma taal. Ansi waxaa la oran karaa dadka dagaalka doonaya hadda dano shisheeye ayey u shaqaynayaan. Waayo dagaal dambe oo soomaali dhexdeeda ah dan shisheeye ayuun buu u adeeggayaa. Sidaan hore u iri dawladdii soomaaliyeed hadda dhab ahaantii waxaa garwadeen u ah wadaado. Qarannimadii soomaaliyeed oo soo noqotay iyaga ayey hadda gacanta ugu jirtaa. Culayska fulay oo Alle iyo umadduba eegayaan kulana xisaabtami doonaan inay gartaan baa habboon. Waxay ku dhan tahay waa in wadaadadu isu liicaan; dhammaantood, kuwa Asmara, Jabouti iyo kuwa dalka gudihiisa ku nool. Dar Ilaahay iyo danta guud ee ummadda inay isugu liican oo dagaal dambe aan la maqal baa loo bahay yahay. Shaydaanka inta layska naaro in taas la garto sow ma habboona? Dawladdana meelaha la is leeyahay way ka khaldan tahay in lala toosiyo ee aan la mucaaradin sow ma habboona? Waxaad tiri: Waxaan u baahan nahay, sidee baan ku hubinnaa in nabadina lagu gaadho, annagoon iibinin diinteenna! Diinta shakhsi iyo dawlad midna ma iibin karo. Gacanteenna ayey ku jirtaa. Cadowga rasmiga ah ee diintu waa inaga oo dalka dagaalkan joogtada ah ku wadna oo dadka wax dhinta wax dhoofa iyo wax silic iyo saxariir dalka gudihiisa u jooga ka dhigna. Calool baahani waa wax walba u nugul. Waxay markaas ku soo noq-noqonaysaa nabad. Si ay diintu u badbaado xayndaab nabad ah iyo dal horumaraya ayey u baahan tahay. Xilka qofkasta saaran gaar ahaan dadka wax garadka ah waxaa weeyaan markaas samir iyo wada shaqayn nabad ku salaysan oo aan yeelano- ilaa madax iyo minjo. Tan aan adiga iyo dadka kula mid ah ugu yeerayo waa nabad in aan isku waanino. Waa talo walaal oo ku socota dhammaan inta qalbigoodu wanaagga u furan yahay. Alle ha inaga garan siiyo. Toosiye2

Nuur, Walaal ma xiiseeyo siyaasadda laakiin waxaa aanan garowsan sababta aad mucaaradka wayn ugu tahay Shariifka oo sidaad ogtahay halganka dheer ee dalka lagu xoraynayo kaalin mug leh ka soo qaatay. Isla markaasna hadda lafteeda ku hawlan inuu ka mira dhaliyo ula-jeedooyinkii loo aasaasay uruka dib u xoraynta. Ogow Sheekh Shariif wuu wanaagsan yahay iyo wuu xun yahay midna kuma lehi mana difaacayo. Laakiin marka hore walaal waa inay inoo muuqdaan labo qodob oo ah in: 1) adduunku uusan marna isku dhammayn. Marka aad mid haysoba mid baa maqan. Taas macnaheedu waxaa weeyaan Shariifka iyo qofkasta oo kale oo aniga, iyo malaa adiguba, aynu ku jirno dhaliilo waaweyn ayuu leeyahay! 2) Maah-maahda oranaysa Roma maalin laguma dhisin waa run. Dulucdeedu waxaa weeyaan wax kastaa waqti ayey qaataan talaabo talaabo ayeyna u fulaan. Marka garaadku wuxuu ina siinayaa in arrimuhu SAMIR iyo QORSHE u baahan yihiin. Arrimahaas in aan ku xisaabtano sow ma aha oo waqti aan siino Shariifka iyo inta la socota? Aragtidayda ururka dib u xoraynta soomaaliyeed ama Asmara ha joogeen ama Jabouti ha joogeen wixii ay u halgamayeen way gaareen; wixii dhimanna way dhammaystiri karaan; Golihii Shacabka Soomaaliyeed iyaga ayaa u badan hadda markii la ballaariyey. Hay'addii fulinta iyaga ayaa qabsaday tan garsoorkana qabsan doona. Dalku wuxuu gacanta ugu jiraa wadaado Sheekh Shariifna sakhsi ayuu ka yahay. Haddii ay dhaliilo jiraan ama jiri doonaan waa lala wadaagaa Shariifka eedduna dhammaan culimada iyo inta ku mabda'a ah ayey dusha ka saaran tahay. Hadday is-qilaafkan hadda jira daawayn waayaan cid kale ayey awooddu gacanta u gelaysaa waa halkaas iyo maca-salaama. Waqti muqaalufo ayeynu joognaa Nuur. Waqtigii mucaarad dhib abuuri kara waan ka soo gudubnay. Halkan sidii si nabad ah hore loogaga sii socon lahaa in la tilmaamo oo tubteed la raaco inay habboon tahay miyeysan kula ahayn? Hadal iyo hawraar Shariifka iyo inta la socota iinahooda iyo khaladaadkooda in la tiriyo dawo keeni mayso. Talada sami waxa weeyaan in waxa wanaagsan ee Shariifka iyo inta siyaasad ahaan la socotaa ay qabteen la tiriyo loona mahad-celiyo waayo wax badan oo wanaagsan oo ay qabteen baa jira. Samirna waa loo baahan yahay. Labo sano kadib ayey doorasho, haddii Eebbe idmo, dhici doontaa. Wixii khaladaad ah ee jiraa markaasba waynu sixi karnaa. Sheekh inoo ducee dalkana u ducee. Toosiye2

Walaal Nur, While your interpretation of your dream can be a valid one I suspect that it may instead mean that there will come peace between the palestinians and Israelis. However unlikely and remote that may seem now still, in my opinion, this is what your dream is foretelling. It may mean also the conflict between Muslims and Jews will come into relative calm. As to Barak Obama I hope he stands for peace and moderation. He can not and will not change the world over night and there are surely forces working against him but I will assert that humanity has progressed to a evolutionary stage that it will no longer tolerate policies that alienate and destroy parts of itself. sounds Idealistic? yes, but good one. Humanity is in a new timeline now in which armageddon could not be orchestrated by powerful men or nations.The good news is that the old guard has been changed and their remnants regardless of how they try to derail the principles and actions of the new guard will fail. They, the old guard, can do nothing because it is in the script of the new timeline that they fail. Already in Somalia we sense that we are in a beginning of new era. How we collective respond to it and act will decide the outcome. Signs of the new era are to be seen every where in the wider world. Even the global Financial Crisis is a sign of this change. Potentially good times are here now- for us all. Among other voices that give hope this video: The Hyperdimensional Election of Barack Obama and 2012 of Richard Hoagland, gives assessment of Obamas role in the future. It is quite long, 2 parts and together 3 hours of viewing. Enjoy it if/when you have time. The Awakener2

Every one of us is on a transit visit into this world. Having no charm against death every one will definitely leave from this reality when the hour of death summons us! But what would be the condition of the world we leave behind for the next generation? The Awakener2

Somali pride I agree that many of us are loyal more to our clans. I also agree that for many of us the interests of our tribe supersedes our national interests. But the question is why is it so? The answer to that question is that we (somalis), in our present social development, are more individual and group oriented than national minded; as we know in all societies the individual person has duties and rights. The person, for example has a right for security; that is why in our modern time one has to preferably live in a nation-state that has law enforcement institutions; one has a right for justice, hence a need for a judiciary and legislative national bodies; and one also needs security for his basic needs ( food, shelter, medical care etc) hence a need for social services and national welfare institutions. In our country such institutions have never taken root; not even before when we had a functioning national government. For the most part it has been the function of the tribe to provide aforementioned services to its individual members. In a real sense the tribe has been the sole guarantor of the rights of its members. That is why many of us are more loyal to their clan. What is the solution you may ask? The solution theoritically would be a reversal of loyalty to take place. Such a reversal can come about when we create and nurture national institutions which, in mature age, would take responsibility for the person and his rights; our primary aim, now, should be to make favourable living conditions for the next generation; such a virtuous deed will not only bring peace to us in here and now but for the believer it might contribute to better condition in his after-life. Now in order to establish a functioning and durable national government two primary conditions has to be met; we need an organized, sincere and united somalis who lead us; we need also a friendly outside government(s) who whole heartily help us until we stand on our own feet. Since an organized, sincere and united somalis are pre-requisite to friendly help from the outside it is paramount that our fragmented elites namely the western oriented, the traditional oriented and Islamic oriented join forces now. Or they could give the leadership role to one of the elites and the two others could give their support without reservation. If we do not do that we may continue to suffer and the country may continue to be plundered and abused by foreigners. In conclusion I think the traditionalists although fragmented, if the problem would have been conflict of clans, they would have solved it through their traditional xeers in a relatively shorter time. The problem being not exclusively conflict between clans they could not fix it. On the other side if the Islamists would have received mandate from the people to lead they would have introduced the Islamic way of governance to the country and our problem would have been solved long ago. Likewise the western oriented could run the country if there were no oppositions. The truth is there has been power struggle between these groups. This assertion with all its implications needs to be digested by the reader. Although mistrust and foreign interventions are compounding the situation still only by collective and decisive action from our part, all somalis, and by the grace of God can we come out of this morass that we have put ourselves in. The Awakener2

Sister malika, Thanks for your insight. I think many of us have not clear idea of what doing good deeds means and what bad actions means. Even when the difference is known and clear for the person he may not be aware that he has a choice. Other times it is a blind following of the herd. We are all in the school of life and an optimist will say that in time, including after life, everyone learns his lesson. The Awakener2

The solution to the conflict in Somalia has baffled intellectuals, intelligentsia and others alike. It eludes especially Somali intellectuals because they do not comprehend and see the causative factors of the conflict in its entirety. An insight to the cultural dimension which is the core driving force escapes their attention. Consequently, even when they are called for consultation, they formulate half baked solutions which could never bring enduring peace. The foreign intellectuals and other actors, who try to find a solution to the Somali statelessness, even when they are sincere, come up with even poorer solutions. They also in their part do not understand the root causes of the conflict. While it cannot escape from our attention that Somalia have been neglected first and foremost by the Somalis themselves and also by the Arab brother, Africans and international community still the ignorance and disregard of the Somali ways of life has been another factor which further makes it difficult to recognize the solution. That is why the conflict is still raging with unimaginable human and material coast and also with emotional and mental suffering for the people. In a nutshell Somalis are in the middle of cultural crisis. The foreign intervention has compounded the Somali conflict not the other way as some may claim. If Somalis were not as fractured as they are now foreign interests could never have taken advantage of them. This is a standpoint which Somalis need to come in terms with. The Somali confrontation has cultural roots. What we need to recognize is that the traditional Somali way of life has been waning for many generations but has been resisting fading away. Other Somali sub-cultures are fighting openly now to fill any vacuum it makes. The conflict then is between three sub-cultures in Somalia namely the traditionalists, the Islamic oriented and Western oriented Somalis. There is another group which I call the Criminals but I will not discuss them in here except to say that they do not have permanent social base which they can draw from. Warlords are example of last group. Hence the fighting we are seeing is just different aspect of bigger but unmentioned struggle between these groups. You may not believe it but let me explain this to you. It is the aim of this paper to re-introduce to the reader in an intellectual level to these groups and their roles in the conflict, and in that way, I hope, the reader would see the big picture. Little historical update Before the colonial powers came to Somalia there were social interactions between the Somalis and their neighbors notably the Arabs. The Arabs among other things brought the Islamic faith to the Horn of Africa. The interaction between these two peoples, the Somalis and Arabs, through time brought a change to the Somali culture. The main change was that the Somalis left their traditional faiths which were mostly animistic and the worship of the sun and instead embraced Islam. Still the traditional way of the Somali people resisted to be replaced completely by Islamic way of life. The traditional way of life has been trying instead to selectively incorporate the Islamic way into itself but without success. They did not realize that the two are not compatible. Even today, one thousand years after the dwellers of the coastal areas of what is known now Somalia fully embraced Islam, the traditional Somali way of life is still strong and adhered to in all parts of Somalia. The Islamic way of life has co-existed with the traditional one and although it has been striving all along to replace it it has not yet succeeded to do that. When the colonial powers came to the Horn they introduced into it the Western way of life. Like all other colonized peoples the Somalis have been adopting the western way and in effect the traditional way which has been already eroded by the coming of Islam became further eroded by the introduction of this new culture. The undeclared competition of the cultural elites In our time the conflict in Somalia is fought and perpetuated by elites and their supporters from the said three sub- cultural groups. The three groups if I may repeat my self are: the traditional minded Somalis, the Islamic minded and Western minded. The elites are not visible in real sense; they mostly do not have commits nor do they have written agenda or plans about the objectives they pursue in conscious level. Still they are there and causing all the mayhem that we witness. An elite member and many who follow him may not be aware to the real end they are fighting for because they simply do not see the big picture. Neither can we know them precisely. Still an observer can identify an elite member for example by examining who his supporters are. There are others ways we can use to identify them but I do not want to dwell that in here. Every Somali person is aligned with one of these groups or more then one even though he or she may not be aware of that. That is why the information I’m giving you now is subtle. The Western minded The western powers when they came to colonize Somalia created, nurtured and supported the western minded elite. Those in the elite had to accept and uphold the western way of life. They were given education, status and preference etc. over the others. The people have to become ‘civilized’ has become the new motto. In that way lavish life styles: cars, houses, beautiful wife/husband etc. has become the reward for those who accepted the western way. With its supposedly material reward it has become the right way of life for an ever increasing social group. This group has gained both in social status and relatively material well-being. In consequence the other two groups in time have become more dependent on this group both for material and political influence. From the perspective of the Islamic minded elite, by advocating secularism, the western minded elite disregarded the correct Islamic way of life. The traditionalists also lost power and prestige to both groups. They, the traditionalists, have remained envious but quiet. The shortcomings with upholders of the western way of life have been that they have shown poor leadership qualities simple because they were new comers to the scene. They have also shown lust for material things especially money.. money.. money. But who cares! Although a huge number of this group has immigrated to the west still they have had the unwavering support of the West, the Russians and Chinese; and lately the Ethiopians and Kenyans. They never wanted to loosen their gripe on power. Their shortcoming though gave edge to the other competing groups. The Islamic minded When it comes to the Islamic minded elite they lived in harmony and in peace with the traditionalist in the beginning and for generations after that. They did the same with the colonial powers and later with the western minded. The Muslim clerics who were mostly Sufis did seek neither social positions nor other social rewards but willingly accepted to become vanguards for the Islamic faith and bring the word of God to the masses on any capacity they were capable to receive it. In time they succeeded to befriend everyone and by finding their own niche in the social structure they gained the respect of the elders and later the western minded generation. It was in 1970ths. that a significant change took place. After a devastating drought in Somalia the government supplied passports to those who applied for it and huge number of Somalis had migrated to the oil rich Gulf States. Some also went to Egypt, Sudan and Syria where they attended Islamic universities in those countries. Already in beginning of eighties a new generation with a higher Islamic education but many times from different Schools of Islamic thought came back to Somalia. Instantly the new comers denounced the Sufis and their ways. Although there were some disagreements among different Islamic groups still a new revival of Islamic teaching had taken roots in the country. For the first time people received available Islamic education and many times free Islamic lessons. Especially after the collapse of the central government Islamic schools and education swelled to such proportion that it became the primary education in all over Somalia. The elite in this group who were mostly of younger generation who received their religious education from gulf state specially Saudi Arabia was born. Through their unique entrepreneurship and many times through charities both inside and outside the country they amassed a huge wealth and also developed organizational skills. Determined to rule the land they demand now that Islam has to become the only way of life in the country. The Traditional minded The traditionalists in their part are a group to reckon with now. After the central government had collapsed, and western minded and the Muslim minded groups became on loggerheads the traditionalists found the opportunity to fill the power vacuum, behind the scenes mostly. They are glad that they regained the power and prestige they lost to the Western minded elites. Already in Somaliland they have established a function government and they have their legislative house, Guurti there. In Puntland the traditional elders are the shakers and movers of the administration and every other thing in that area. It is claimed that the reason the South has been in such a chaos so long is because the role of the traditional elders was the most corroded in all Somalia. At the time of the collapse of the central government the elders social roles were minimal in that part of the country. But now they have regrouped and their role is more pronounced than ever before. The gripe of power of the traditional minded elite has been strengthened by the conflict and they want now to stay as the hub which other groups have to revolve around. Conclusion It is unlucky that these groups have become, among other things, representative for foreign interests in the country. Especially the western minded and Islamic minded have in their struggle to gain power destroyed the very fabric of their society, caused mayhem and destruction. It is more so for the western minded but Islamic minded must proof their honest now when the foreign forces leave. These groups have to show remorse to the weak, the woman and elderly who become caught in between their “righteous” struggles. They have also to show compassion, tolerance and spirit of brotherliness to one another regardless of their cultural preferences. Now that the some foreign forces are leaving you should gripe the opportunity, put aside the guns, come together in your old traditional way under the tree and find a durable solution which brings peace and stability. The Awakener2

Brother Nur, Very good answer from Islamic perspective. Although I may differ with you on certain points still I understand and respect your thoughts. I'm aware that I have not mentioned the fact that the USA and its friends have in their part to blame for our conflict and its perpetuation but I have done that for a reason. We seldom put the blame where it belongs namely on ourselves. We mostly find escape goats. I have no doubt that the Americans and their foreign friends have been primary and illegal participants in our conflict but for whose side? Surely on the side of like minded Somalis among us who believe that the western way of Life is the best and most beneficial socio-economic system. Conversely the upholders of the Islamic way of Life have been receiving help from other quarters and consequently that is why the war rages. Btw. I know where you are coming from and thanks for your contribution but what I'm trying now is to look our conflict from detached point of view and then explore if there are others who can share that perspective with me. What I'm thinking is "from birds eye perspective may be there are new solutions to be found". You surely understand me now. The Awakener2

ariadne, When I say culture I mean way of Life. I mean hence that the traditonal way of Life, the Islamic way of Life and western way of Life are not compatable and thus one of them have to gain a dominant position and others as you rightly said could take sub-culture positions. A competition for dominance for our way of Life is the main, I repeat again - main- , source of the present conflict. The reason we can not see through the haze and find plausible solution to the conflict is because the majority of us are aligned with one group or another and thus envolved. If you already know that you are correct you can not become open to other points of views.The upholders of different said groups, everyone of them and their sympathizers, believe individually that they are right and hence will not compromise. This is my view point. The Awakaner2

This topic is related to this one. But I'm interested to know the answer of anyone who could approach it from Islamic perspective. Here is the content of one of the postings: It seems to me that the ordinary Somali man and woman, that is you and me, are letting our beloved country, Somalia, to descend into a stinking bottomless rabbit hole but paradoxically still without contingence plans or even vague ideas of how we can salvage ourselves from total social destruction. As I asserted in the beginning in this thread, in my view, we are in cultural crisis. To say it in a better way we are in cultural transition. In my perspective the conflict in our country is in fact our own making and in a way we are perpetrators but still victims of our actions. Three main groups which I call: the traditionalist oriented, the Muslim/Arab oriented and the Western oriented are competing. A fourth group which I call the Criminals and confused is mixed in the bowl. The three main groups are vieing for power and they use the fourth group, and also other sympathetic outside countries and groups, as support so that they can realize their goals. Every group believes that their preferred social structure is the one that best suits the country. Their belief that the end justifies the means has brought disregard for human suffering or ethical and religious gaurdlines. Consequently the weak, women and children have become victims for senseless wars without an end in sight.The misery of our youth which compose the bulge of the fighting forces from all sides is unbearable. The country, its infrastructure and every facet of service to a nation has been systematically under demolishing for no other reason but for competition for status and power between the above mentioned groups. Every Somali regardless of his/her ideological orientation or tribal lineage and religious status is a mouthpiece and loyal warrior for one of these groups or usually more than one group. I’m putting the blame of our continuing conflict squarely upon the Somalis. 1) I’m I right? 2) Is there a midle path where all three groups could meet? Your contributions are welcome. The Awakener2

It is time to reflect on this topic: Do we have culture ? It seems to me that the ordinary Somali man and woman, that is you and me, are letting our beloved country, Somalia, to descend into a stinking bottomless rabbit hole but paradoxically still without contingence plans or even vague ideas of how we can salvage ourselves from total social destruction. As I asserted in the beginning in this thread, in my view, we are in cultural crisis. To say it in a better way we are in cultural transition. In my perspective the conflict in our country is in fact our own making and in a way we are perpetrators but still victims of our actions. Three main groups which I call: the traditionalist oriented, the Muslim/Arab oriented and the Western oriented are competing. A fourth group which I call the Criminals and confused is mixed in the bowl. The three main groups are vieing for power and they use the fourth group, and also other sympathetic outside countries and groups, as support so that they can realize their goals. Every group believes that their preferred social structure is the one that best suits the country. Their belief that the end justifies the means has brought disregard for human suffering or ethical and religious gaurdlines. Consequently the weak, women and children have become victims for senseless wars without an end in sight.The misery of our youth which compose the bulge of the fighting forces from all sides is unbearable. The country, its infrastructure and every facet of service to a nation has been systematically under demolishing for no other reason but for competition for status and power between the above mentioned groups. Every Somali regardless of his/her ideological orientation or tribal lineage and religious status is a mouthpiece and loyal warrior for one of these groups or usually more than one group. I’m putting the blame of our continuing conflict squarely upon the Somalis. 1) I’m I right? 2) If I’m right what options have we? Your contributions are welcome. The Awakener2

Brother Nur, Indeed! It is time to stand together. Sufi and Salafi are coined names and they should not have any value beyond that. Are we not all Muslims? Then let us be Muslims and dwell in the house of Islam- as one. For centuries we have been butchering one another on the ground of clan loyalties. Now we are poised for factional wars with Islamic cloak. And what will happen tomorrow when the second and third generation Somalis from the Diaspora come back to Somalia with diverse language, culture and religion ? It might entail more 'depopulating' of the country if we don’t change our ways. What we are facing today is a child’s play compared to the challenges ahead. It seems to me that the lesson we have been learning as people is tolerance. We are learning to live in peace in a state of diversity. Our seeking to have social conformity has not been a success! You can not create social conformity through the use of stick. Therefore neither the Sufis nor the Salafis can be defeated by the use of force. Ultimately they have to learn to co-exist and live together in peace and harmony- which is in fact also our goal as a nation. It is not too late to realize the predicament we find in ourselves. We simply need to collectively denounce violence and choose peace. I’m doing my part and hope everyone else would do his/her own part. This " kill them" madness between brothers has to stop. Ps. I’m not from that area you named if that is what you are alluding to. The Awakener2

Ameen, Somalis say " Waxaa jira waqti ay samada iyo aradku furan yihiin" meaning that there are times the portals to the heavens are open. I was referring to that thought. I mean that utterance is an action which is more potent than the sword. Thus we have to wisely choose what we say. The Awakener2

It is wiser Not to predict that which you do not wish to come true. You may predict though that which is good, kind and healing for all it may concern. Foretelling and uttering only the good is one way positive results may come about. The Awakener2

Nur I see you have chosen to transfer our discussion to this thread without asking me. It would have been better to ask me first- out of courtesy of course! It is not a bad choice though because it may enrich also this thread. I hope you will enjoy your discussion. Ps. Sorry about the typo! ARGUE= URGE Thanks all of you. It was a pleasure to be with you. The Awalener2

The return to God ( part 2 ) Islam has 5 pillars and 6 basic beliefs The 5 pillars are: to testify that there is to God but Allah and Muhammad is the messenger of Allah, to perform the prayers, to pay the zakat, to fast Ramadan and to make the pilgrimage to the House if you are able to do so, The six basic beliefs are: belief in God, Belief in the Angels, belief in Gods revealed books, belief in the messengers of God, belief in the day of judgment and belief in Al Qadar ( Divine predestination) Muslim The Muslim then in simple terms is a follower of the teachings of Islam. The word “Muslim” means one who submits to the will of God. This submission is done, as we already said by declaring that “ there no God except Allah and Muhammad is His messenger.” In broader sense anyone who willing submits to the will of God is Muslim. Hence when a person believes in the oneness of God ,that Muhammad is His messenger and believes His revelation that person is a Muslim. The integral whole of Islam has three main branches. They are the ahlu Sunnah , Shi'ah and Sufis. The Islamic Sufism which is the esoteric path of Islam teaches how one can gain experiences of spiritual nature while still living in here. Non-believer The Qu'ran uses the word Kufr to denote people who cover up or hide realities. The Qu'ran uses this word to identify those who denied to accept Allah, His dominion and authority. The word kufr hence means disbelief in Allah. This type of kufr is called the major kufr. Examples of other types of Kufr : 1. Disbelief out of stubbornness. This applies to someone who knows the truth and admits to knowing the truth but refuses to accept it. 2.Disbelief out of denial: This applies to someone who denies with both heart and tongue. 3.Disbelief out of arrogance and pride: The disbelief of Iblees is an example of this type of Kufr. 4.Disbelief out of rejection: This applies to those who acknowledge the truth in their heart( intention) but reject it with their tongue( action). 5.Disbelief out of hypocrisy: This applies to someone who pretends to be a Muslim but conceals his disbelief 6.Disbelief out of trying to make haram into halal. This applies to someone who accepts as lawful that which Allah has made unlawful. The list goes on but the question is can a self professed Muslim be called kafir by another? The answer in one word is NO. It is not the task of human being to decide whether a person is a believer or not. The matter is directly to do with God, and it is He Who shall decide it on the day of Judgment. As for people if they have to decide anything it is this: Which person, according to the distinctive teaching of Islam, as laid down by God and His messenger, is within the borders of Islam, and which person has gone outside it. As long as a person is in the border of Islam , that is observes the five pillars of Islam that person is a Muslim. The five pillars are the marks of Islam. As for thos who have gone outside of these borders we should deal with them as required by the Islamic teaching. Even when one is practicing Islam outwardly according to the way Islam has prescribed it or not we are not empowered to judge what is in their hearts. In fact we are limited by our inability to know what is in the heart of any person. Bukhari and Muslims agree on the report that once Ali sent some money from Yemen to the Holy prophet and the Holy prophet divided it among four men. At this a man who was there said " O Messenger of Allah, fear Allah!" The Holy prophet said: " Woe to thee who is more obliged to fear God than me". Khalid Ibn Walid who was present said: " Messenger of Allah, should I not kill him?" The Holy prophet said: "No, perhaps he says his prayers." Khalid said: " Many are they who say their prayers, but do not have in their hearts what they say in their tongues". The Holy prophet said: "I have not been commanded to open up the hearts of people to cut open their inside." It is also recorded that once a man from among the Ansar was talking confidentially with the Holy prophet. Suddenly the Holy Prophet said loudly [ about someone] : Does he not bear witness that there is no God but Allah?" The Ansari said: "Yes indeed, O Messenger of Allah, but his testimony cannot be trusted." The Holy prophet said: " Does he not accept that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah?" He again replied: " Yes he professes it but his profession cannot be trusted." The Holy prophet said: "Does he not pray?" He again said: " Yes he does, but his prayer cannot be trusted." The Holly prophet said: “God has forbidden me to kill such people." Now we can see why it is a great injustice that a Muslim who professes to have faith in the beliefs taught by God and His Messenger and thus is within the borders of Islam according to the aforementioned explanation should be declared by some person as being non-believer. Doing this is in fact to oppose God Himself, that while the law of God passes a decree about a man that he is a Muslim, a creature of God issues a decree of kufr about the same man. One aspect of issue of kufr and Islam is internal and another external. While the first is related to the heart and intention of man the second is related to his tongue and actions. From man’s words and actions we can to certain extent estimate his inner condition, Still we will lack both knowledge and certainty about the content of the persons heart. Therefore the right way is to leave the question of faith to Allah. The Holy prophet has very strictly forbidden calling people kafir and wrong-doers. The Prophet went so far as to say that if a man calls another kaafir and the latter is not so in reality the verdict of kufr shall rebound on the accuser. Takfir and calling others wrong-doers, " Muslims" or other names is not merely the violation of the rights of an individual or group of individuals but it is also a crime against society. It is an act of immense harm to the Muslims. The unity of the Muslims is based on the bond of faith and Muslims have to honor this bond; otherwise with more sects the community will become weakened or may become disintegrated. And It will not have collective strength left to proclaim the word of God to the rest of humanity. This does not mean though that we should tolerate everything without reservation; even if someone speaks and writes clear heresy, What I’m trying to say is that as it is harmful to expel a Muslim from Islam it is no less harmful to include kafir within the Islamic community. The emphasis here is that we should exercise greatest caution to declare a Muslim as kafir. Everyone who believes that there no God but Allah and Muhammad is His messenger should be presumed in his favor that he has faith in his heart and consequently is Muslim. Repentance Repentance is the cure to disbelief. God the compassionate and merciful gladly receives the one who sincerely repents from his wrong actions. The human, fallible as he is, has always a way out from his misdeeds of faith. That way is repentance. Nevertheless the potential to die as a true Muslim is there for everyone until his last breath. Consequently even those who disbelief now and their children are still potential Muslim until they die. Conclusion The true spirit of our actions should aim to bring the person nearer to God. One should be concerned for the spiritual welfare of the others. We are not serving others if our actions are not helping them to return to Allah. Our action should not alienate anyone but rather show peace and compassion both in word and action. Then love blossoms which brings the seeker to the Straight Path to Allah. Ilaah baa xamdi iyo shukri naq leh. Ps. This 2 part postings anwers my three questions. The Awakener2

Oodo dhacmeed siday u kala sarreeyaan ayaa loo kala guraa ayey tiraahdaa soomaalidu. Xaalad nabadeed in la abuuro cadowgana meesha laga saaro ayey dantu ku jirtaa hadda. Hadhow inaga ayaa isu soo hari. Soomaalinimadeenna iyo diinteenna ku dhaqankeeduna way inoo soo xasili. fekerka colka waraf ma lagu dayay anigu waan raacsanahay. The Awakeener2

The return to God ( Part 1 ) The return to God is what worship and religious devotion is all about. In this subsequent piece of writing I will look and explain this subject matter from a Islamic perspective. In this paper I will present an introduction to Islam and with subtitles as : why man needs to have religious devotion, about Islam and Muslims, a contrast analysis of Muslim and non-Muslim believe states, I will try to expound the subject in a clear manner. The paper, though concise in its informative content, answers important questions pertaining to the subject in discussion. In supplementary articles, I hope, I (we) will try to fill in more details. The need for religious devotion Man in order to survive have inherent argues. He needs to cover his basic needs like food, shelter, medicine etc. Like all other living things in order to survive as species he needs to procreate. Man has also emotional and mental needs. All those needs usually manifests themselves as argues of emotional and mental art; hence the argue to seek food and eat, for shelter; the argue to find a partner, pleasing environment for positive emotions; to seek knowledge about the creation and Creator etc. Man can not survive in this physical environment neither as an individual nor as a group if those argues are not satisfied within reasonable time. In addition to aforementioned argues is the religious and devotional argue which is stronger in some than in others. While the last mentioned argue satisfies the needs of Soul other argues satisfy the survival needs of the embodiments of Soul. Consequently the argue to seek and worship the Creator is in fact necessity for the survival of man. The belief is that when one, for example, remembers his creator and lets God to have place in his heart in retribution God guides that person to His right path and to right actions and eventually, when the devotee persist to sincerely and intentionally follow the guidance,He lets the individual membership into the fold of His most loved ones. When the devotee takes one step to approach God the Creator takes many steps to receive him. When the devotee gives service in the name of the Creator in retribution God showers many benefits to him so that the concerned person becomes more capable to render more service. If the devotee seeks to realize the Self and God that knowledge is given to the seeker so that the faith of the seeker becomes stronger, etc. For that reason it is the human being who gains from devotion and worship of the Creator. Not only do the human constitution function optimal when one is in harmony with the will of God but one also gains peace and happiness in an eternal Life. How would man go then about his worship and devotion of the Creator? Muslims believe that Islam is the answer. Here is introductory presentation about Islam and its followers. Islam From an untold ages God has sent messengers to man so that he may learn what He has ordained man to do. In the Islamic tradition these messengers of Allah are chosen by Allah on the bases of their piety and were entrusted to bring His word to the masses so that man could learn how Allah wants him to be and how he, man, ought to act in all departments of his Life; through these messengers came the sacred scriptures of Islam which inform man about the past, the present, the after-life, about the attributes of the Creator and many more. The Holy scriptures, as we call collections of the word in a book form, the last of which is the Qu’ran the sacred book of Islam, are in a way manual instructions from God to man; in essence instruction for an all encompassing way of Life for man. The Koran ,the Sacred Book of Islam has , as Muslims believe, precedence over any other book and therefore with the Sunnah is the sole valid source which has to be followed by Muslims. Muslim also believe that Mohammed (pbuh)is the final messenger of Allah. The word Islam means peace and submission to God. This submission requires conscious and willing effort to surrender to the ONE Almighty God. The portal through which one enters Islam is the shahada: La Ilaha illa-Allah wa Muhammad-ur rasul Allah( There is no God but Allah and Muhammad is the messenger of Allah). By affirming shahada with sincerity and genuine intention a person enters the fellowship of Islam. Once one becomes humble and submits himself totally to Allah and to Him exclusively, in faith and in action, one surely feels peace in his heart. This inward peace reflects itself in ones outward conduct as well. More to come. The Awakener2

Brother Nur, Thanks. Insha Allah I will prepare a well thought piece and will post in here. I hope it won't take me longer than it has taken you ( joking) until then bye. The Awakener2

Brother Nur, I'm not assuming anything. Is it not true that you have given the partial answers and that you also promised you will come back to give more detail? Should I not expect that you would do that? You can tangentially go into a different direction if that is your wish but from my perspective a wiser and more productive alternative now would be that I answer the questions myself. I'm ready to do that if it is ok for you! The Awakener2

Brother Nur, It feels that we are going no where with our discussion! It seems that now we are in a i jiid aan ku jiide mood. Your write : First please be clear on the question, a good question is half the answer, Which question ? There are three questions which you have already partially answered. Your partial answers contain : InshAllah, I will come back to discuss in detail the following points and more: 1) What conditions you have to fullfil to be a Muslim? a. Acceptability Criteria as a "Muslim" In This temporal Life.( Good enough for government work) b. Acceptability Criteria as a "Muslim" in the day of Judgement. ( Mre rigorous and exhaustive) 2) What nullifies to be muslim ? Any Contract has clauses that nullify its effectiveness, just like Salat's readiness is nullified by a simpe call of nature, so is Islam. 3) Can a third person tell another person that he/she is NOT a muslim while the first person is claiming that he is muslim ? The legal context of what is known as TAKFEER ( certifying other person to be out of the Islam fol which question are you referring to then? where is your " coming back to discuss in detail the above points and more"? Neither does your last posting answer my questions because among other things it does not answer in a clear manner what you mean by the term " Muslim". You have both the freedom and choice under what context you want to answer but you could answer in a manner which inquiring minds could reflect upon and learn from. The Awakener2

Brother Nur, I think you have already addressed the question: who is Muslim ? I have been expecting, as you yourself have promised, that you would answer the other ( related ) questions! When you make a promise I, like an innocent child, eagerly await that you will fulfill it. By not answering the questions you have kept me waitng dear Nur don't you think. Besides I have observed that you have been using the word Muslim in quotes not only in this thread but also in other threads in this forum. To be frank it is the first time in my life that I’m seeing the word used in this untraditional way and in this context. That there are three types of persons namely: Muslim, Non-Muslim and “Muslim” is for me a new conceptual challenge I have to wrestle with to understand. In my level of understanding no ONE qualifies as "Muslim" by definition. I'm not here to push you to give answers brother but I have been trying to see if convergence of understanding is possible! That and nothing more. The Awakener2

Brother Nur, First the definition of the word “Arif “ as I mean it is someone who is a Muslim. Who by his devotional worship, his virtuous Life and his LOVE of Allah has became a friend With God- and Allah has became an ally to him. In essence I’m referring to Awliya. It is my contention that the a Friend of Allah is entitled to say “ I’m an Arif” -when he reaches a spiritual station from where he can say so. Please make your perspective about the Awliya and others in that category clear as this is important for me to know. As to your questions you ask: Q:.Can a person become an Arif without the above ? A:Yes indeed! If it where not so the blind, the deaf or those who have less ability to learn would have been in disadvantageous position when it comes receiving the divine merits of Allah. Such merits would have been reserved for the learned and intellectually superior people- which is not true. Our beloved prophet Mohamed (SCW), was neither learned man nor intellectually superior. But Still he was chosen by Allah. In brief the ways of Allah is not something we humans understand in its entirety. So Awliya and their true relationship with God is not something which is apparent neither to the eyes or intellect. Such relationship is a secret between the lover ( man ) and his beloved ( Allah ). Q: What explains the abundance of Arifs among those whose mother tongue and curriculum did not include the above requirements. A: Tongue and Curriculum are not prerequisite to Divine merits. Being Muslim, devotional worship of Allah according to the way He has prescribed, leading a virtuous Life and above all the mercy of God which may unveil the devotee for higher understanding, are the requirements. Q: Has anyone during the time of Rasulullah SAWS classify the term Arif from other followers? A: We are speaking here about Muslims. Other religions are not a topic we have been discussing. Q: Did Prophet Muhammad SAWS deliver Allahs message both spiritual and judicial in its entirety or has He departs with some missing work to be done and then added to the body of Islam? A:The message is delivered to us in its entirety. But Islam is intended to bring people back to God in ALL times until the end of the world. There is something for everyone to understand and learn in all ages. To claim that people in our age understand Islam in its totality is naive to say the least. We understand it though according to our own capacity and time. And those who come after us will understand it according to theirs. As the knowledge and intellectual understanding of humanity progresses so will understanding of Islam mature. That is how Islam is intended to be useful to humanity in all ages. Q: Does boasting to be an Arif conflict with the verse " Fa laa tuzakuu anfusakum, huwa aclamu biman ittaqaa"? A: The true Arif never boasts about his knowledge. He is humble and most forgiving. If you see someone who is boasting about his knowledge that its self is a sign that the person is not what he claims to be. I have answered your questions sincerely and any mistakes in my answers are not intentional from my side but rather reflect my limited knowledge. May God enlighten us with His wisdom and LOVE- aamin The Awakener2