The Dangers of Qabilism

[CushiticReflections]

May Peace be upon you.

Qabilism is the discrimination, hatred, and biases held against any tribe or sub-tribe. Due to the perceived wrongdoings or "inferiority" or "superiority" of any tribe, people feel that they are justified in drawing blanket generalizations about that tribe, discriminating against them, and ultimately hating them. This is a poison that is eating away at our people, nation, and culture. Our nation's present state has its many factors but none can deny that qabilism is the main obstacle to our unity. What else stops Somalis from looking at their brothers and sisters as part of a unified whole? It is our tribalist sentiments.

Without qabilism, it is likely that we may be able to unite to build up our country, strengthen our culture, and resist all of those who wish to exploit or harm us. Somalis are a very resourceful, intelligent, resilient, charming, beautiful, and business-oriented people. We could do wonders and build a future so bright that other struggling nations might take note and model their development after ours. Yet, due to our stubbornness, arrogance, and ignorance, we're not living up to our potential and our nation is regularly brought up in any discussion about failed states or seemingly hopeless nations.

How is it that Somalia is one of the most homogenous countries in the world - with one culture, one language, one people, one religion... and yet we're always warring. And because of familial ties - after all, that is what qabils are ultimately. Even outside of Somalia, we are warring with each other. Just look at how Somalis tear each other down, even on snet, because of qabil or veiled qabilism.

So what are the possible solutions?
I believe it begins with individuals. After all, a nation is nothing without people. And a people are made up of individuals. It is unwise to underestimate the power of individuals.

1) End qabilism. Qabils will always exist, at least for the next hundred years, in our culture. But qabils themselves are not the problem but the inflated importance people place on one's worth or reputation on their tribe. This needs to start with every one of us. It is not enough to simply keep quiet about prejudices. The simple fact that we possess such attitudes means that qabilism lives on. Attitudes form, change, and shape behaviour. Implicit attitudes (which are attitudes one may hold unconsciously) predicts impulsive behaviour. So the preservation of such attitudes will only lead to more discriminations which will lead to more hatred. It will be a never-ending cycle. So let us end it now, including all of us in the diaspora.

2) Seek refuge in God. This really should be first. As an almost entirely Muslim people, is it not shameful that we seem to hold qabils more dearly to us than nearness to God in Paradise (if He so wills)? Is it not shameful that we do not fear Him and stop our petty discriminations before the Day of Judgment arrives?

“Truly, God does not change the condition of a people until they change what is in themselves.” Quran 13:11

I don't believe Somalia will ever be truly be free and peaceful until we change what is within ourselves. We have cursed ourselves, by our own hand. A lot of our hardships do have other factors but we are denying ourselves possible peace and prosperity by clinging to our tribal biases. It is not right.

"And to Him goes back every affair [for decision]: then worship Him, and put your trust in Him." Quran 11:123

Can any one of us truthfully say that they think that Allah may approve of such harmful words, actions, and evil thoughts being held against other people, simply because of qabil? We will all be judged, so be mindful of God. Such remembrance might help us from committing sin. I know that remembrance of God has helped me many times refrain from sinful behaviour.

"O mankind! We created you from a single pair of a male and a female, and made you into nations and tribes that you might get to know one
another. Surely the noblest of you in the sight of Allah is he who is the most righteous. Allah is All-Knowledgeable, All-Aware." Quran 49:13

As a predominantly Muslim people, would it not be best to strive in God's cause (as is mentioned many times in the Quran) rather than in our tribe's cause? As I've already stated, our nation's present state has its many factors but none can deny that qabilism is the main obstacle to our unity. What else stops Somalis from looking at their brothers and sisters as part of a unified whole? It is our tribalist sentiments. Otherwise, we might be able to begin building a strong, independent, peaceful, and prosperous Muslim nation.

The conversations regarding qabil on this site are not different from the views and words Somalis have off the net regarding qabil. The prevalence of such views are symptomatic of a general malaise held by our people, eating away at the core of our strength as a nation. As Muslims, it is wrong for us to be arrogant, hateful, and cruel. So I deplore all of you snet frequenters and non-snet users, to sincerely weigh the Word of God, the effects of your qabilist sentiments, and the state of us as a nation, people, and even as individuals. Reading the Quran is important for us as Muslims and inshaa Allah it may guide us onto the Straight Path, so it is best to read God's Words and take it to heart. Here are some verses that we seem to forget but should keep in our hearts to remember:

"The servants of the Beneficent (Allah) are those who walk on the earth in humility." Quran 25:63

"Do not turn your face away from people in contempt, nor go about in the land exultingly." Quran 31:18

"Do not ascribe purity to yourselves. Allah knows best who is righteous." Quran 53:32

"They (the true believers) give food, out of love for Allah, to the poor, the orphan and the slave, saying: We feed you only for Allah's pleasure - we desire from you neither reward nor thanks." Quran 76:8-9
(Can any of us claim we would truly do this for someone of a clan we harbour biases against?

"Pardon (people) and overlook (their faults). Don't you love that Allah should forgive you." Quran 24:22

"(The dutiful are) . . . those who restrain their anger and pardon people. Allah loves those who do good to others." Quran 3:134

Please share your thoughts on the topic qabilism and on Islam.
Peace to you.

[Alto]

Thanks for your efforts. If you can keep your purity of heart when it comes to clan issues, you have done excellent. Anigu waan ka quustay soomaalida inay qabiil ka waynaadaan. I gave up on them in that regard.

[CushiticReflections]

Thanks for your efforts. If you can keep your purity of heart when it comes to clan issues, you have done excellent. Anigu waan ka quustay soomaalida inay qabiil ka waynaadaan. I gave up on them in that regard.

I wonder sometimes if Somalis just don't want to change. It's truly saddening, isn't it? After all, we are almost entirely Muslim yet why don't we heed the Words of Allah more? I don't want to give up, there has to be reason within people.

[zulaika]

Well said!!

This is much like racism... Or any other ism' we use to categorically reject or connect with each other and I think we have to be realistic...it's not going away, I can only watch my actions and hope I don't fall into its trappings.

[grandpakhalif]

unfortunately you are an idealist.. tribalism will forever remain engraved in Somali cognitive behavior as it is our tradition and culture, it brings adrenalin to the system and creates an upliftin experience, that illuminates familial bonds and creates a competitive atmosphere that turns deadly.

May it continue to thrive in the form of federalism.

[Based]

Organizing yourself along tribal lines is why Africans will be doomed to unrelenting internecine conflict and crushing poverty while other people are drawing up plans to colonize the moon.

Good luck with the Neolithic!

[CushiticReflections]

Well said!!

This is much like racism... Or any other ism' we use to categorically reject or connect with each other and I think we have to be realistic...it's not going away, I can only watch my actions and hope I don't fall into its trappings.

That's a good way to be, Zulaika.

I still think that it's possible to create change. Martin Luther King Jr and those countless people who organized and banded together to fight for their civil rights (and thus, against racism) were considered to be unfavourable and it was not believed by the majority that change could occur. Yet it did. There's still racism but conditions are now much better for black Americans. The same is true for Gandhi (though I don't like to refer to him as he was a racist). I think it's only faith, reason, and determination that can help us through this, if God wills.

@grandpakhalif: I see you trollin

@Based: Aren't you African as well? If so, you most likely see yourself in a much different light than how you view other Africans. But your deviance from your image of Africans shows that not all Africans are that way, that we are not lacking in free will in any way. Therefore, there is no reason for so many Africans to hold such hostile feelings towards other tribes and we should bring up compelling reasons, discussions, histories, and other things that may slowly open their eyes.

[AhlulbaytSoldier]

Allahuma salli alaa Muhammad wa aali Muhammad said:
Whoever fights for Asaabiyah/clannism is not one of us.


We should leave the danger of qabilism. It makes our deeds and our prayers become like dust blown in the wind.

[Titanium]

Qabilism > Sex
Qabilism > Food and Drink

[CushiticReflections]

Allahuma salli alaa Muhammad wa aali Muhammad said:
Whoever fights for Asaabiyah/clannism is not one of us.


We should leave the danger of qabilism. It makes our deeds and our prayers become like dust blown in the wind.

I agree but I wonder if anyone will take notice.

[LiquidHYDROGEN]

Organizing yourself along tribal lines is why Africans will be doomed to unrelenting internecine conflict and crushing poverty while other people are drawing up plans to colonize the moon.

Good luck with the Neolithic!

Somalia today

[STARKAST]

Thoughtful post.

Qabilism i believe fundamentally arises due to Somali Primary socialization.
It is within the 'family' chiefly that the poison is transferred through compliance and further internalization.

What worries me most is that the cancer is even growing in those that were born in the west....This just conveys the task at hand.
One would think that those in the West, arguably becoming more secular would abandon the fates of Qabilsism. The increasingly truth is that the opposite seems to be true.

Religion can't be counted on comrade just look at Somalia aren't they all 'religious' ?

Note: Knowing, Loving and embracing you're Qabil is great however acting accordingly with it is a fatal
.