Alhamdulillah, my last post that called for peace in the conflict between the Garre and Degodia communities in the Mandera/Wajir counties generated quite some reaction. That is not unexpected and I do not usually respond to such comments on my posts. However, since this particular post was in effect calling for peace by both communities, i want to thank all those who reacted to it, and feel obligated to do a follow up on that post as follows: 1. We all know these two communities are closest to each other among the somali community; have had conflict and peace between each other as neighbours for nearly a century; and will insha Allah, live in peace as brothers and sisters again when this misunderstanding responsible for the current conflict is resolved soon. 2. All those who read this post are people who are educated and young, and for whom a future of peace and security is vital so that they and their children will live in an economically developed region in which clan conflicts will be a thing of the past. Hence, they have a greater obligation to ensure peace is restored and current conflict is ended. My post is targeted to this generation who live both in the region, and in the diaspora. 3. Regrettably, most comments are full of hate speech and mistrust between the two communities, and even insults, derogation and condemnation, and worse still tribalism. If the educated in town hate each other this much, what is the situation of those poor folks living next to each other in the remote villages? Why are you surprised when they turn on each other, if you can turn on each in social media where you are not in contact with one another? How shall we build a future in which youth and professionals from both communities mistrust each other and express tribal bigotry? 4. As muslims, we are obligated to avoid thanni or doubts and must not condemn each others clans as none is better than the other in the sight of Allah except through individual piety; tribal bigotry is strongly condemned in Islam; and lies are forbidden even in jest as it is the root of all evil. 5. I challenge all those from the region to encourage each other to promote love and unity between these communities, and exhort each other to peace. In their current situation, your communities now need your duas and remembrance more than anything else, and material support for those displaced. And remember Allah will judge us all by actions individually. And on the judgement day, the clan or tribe or family will not be of any help. Lets avoid any statements that will instigate clashes and enhance hatred between the communities. Above, lets pray to Allah to give us peace!
Posted on: Sun, 08 Jun 2014 05:38:23 +0000
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