Dear Somali Brother and Sisters: We Honor, Respect, and Stand By You
Assalamu Alaikum,
If I could sum up my deepest feelings for my Somali brothers and sisters, I would simply say: You are truly beautiful, inside and out.
Somalia is rightly known as the Nation of Poets, and this artistry shines through in every interaction. Your people are naturally articulate and eloquent, a deep wellspring of culture.
This profound love for language and knowledge is beautifully mirrored in your spiritual figures, such as Sheikh Abdul Rashid Ali Sufi, one of the Muslim world’s most distinguished and beloved Qāriʾs (reciters). His profound knowledge and mastery of the Holy Qur’an are a testament to the depth of faith rooted in your land.
Somalia holds a unique and truly significant place in the history of Islam, being one of the earliest regions on the African continent to lovingly embrace Islam.
During the Middle Ages, your powerful Islamic Sultanates didn’t just survive—they flourished!
- Vibrant Centers: Coastal cities became vibrant hubs of learning and international trade, connecting Africa, the Middle East, India, and even distant China.
- Legendary Ports: Places like Mogadishu, Zeila, Barawa, and Merca were known across the globe as beacons of commerce and culture, with travelers like Ibn Battuta recognizing Mogadishu as a vital Islamic center.
- Great Empires: Powerful Somali empires, including the Ajuran Sultanate and the Adal Sultanate, dominated regional affairs with wisdom, blending Sharia with cherished local customs.
- Scholarly Gifts: The region gifted the world with incredible scholars and travelers, from Sa’id min Mogadishu to Shaykh Abu Barakat al-Barbari, who carried the light of Islam far beyond your shores to places like the Maldives and Southeast Asia.
The spiritual heart of Somalia proved its strength time and again. The nation’s Anti-Colonial Resistance is a remarkable story that all of Africa can celebrate with pride. Under the guidance of dedicated Muslim scholars, many significant anti-colonial movements rose up.
We honor the legacy of Mohammed Abdullah Hassan. His long and courageous stand against foreign expansion was deeply rooted in a religious and political desire to fiercely protect Somali lands and their Islamic identity.
As a proud Muslim living in California, I want to send all my love and assurance: I stand firmly by my Somali Brothers and Sisters. I will always be an ally against any form of bullying or injustice, from anyone, anywhere.
May peace, prosperity, and joy always fill your homes and your beautiful nation.
Wassalam,
Magdy Hussein
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