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May 8 2014

Xaaji Maxamed Axmed Liiban (1904 – 1989)

Posted by M Shire
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MohamedAhmedLibanHaji Mohamed Ahmed Liban (Xaaji Maxamed Axmed Liibaan), born in in Harardhere (Xarardheere) in 1904 was an influential SYL player and a staunch anti-colonial activist. It is said that he recited over 600 poems, both written in Somali and Arabic. He died in 1989.

Here is a short stanza of one of his poems (recited in 1948), revealing his burning desire for Somalis to overcome clan-divisions and direct the focus towards pan-Somalism:

Qasadkeeda soomaali, Alluhuu qawiyeeyo
arrintii ka qalloocan Rabbi haw qummaneeyo
Reer Qabiilo-Qabiilo, Rabbigay ha ka qaado
Qalalkii nagu raagay, Qod kaleetoo ha aado.

The purpose of the Somali people! – Oh Allah, please strengthen it!
For their crooked affairs – Oh Lord please straighten it
That clan, that tribe [meaning clannism] – My Lord, make it disappear
This lingering epilepsy has prevailed amongst us – Let it go somewhere else

Tags: haji mohamed ahmed liban, poem, stanza, syl

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