Do Somalis Actually Believe They Descend from Arabs?
I recently finished reading The Invention of Somalia by Ali Jimale Ahmed, and it made me think more critically about Somali genealogies. The book suggests that many Somali clans claim Arab descent especially Darod, Isaaq, and some Hawiye clans often tracing their origins to figures like Sheikh Darod and Sheikh Isaaq, who are said to have migrated from Hadramaut (Yemen).
However, the book also questions whether these claims are historical fact or later myths used to elevate status and political legitimacy. It points out that Somali language and culture are fundamentally Cushitic, and that Arab descent narratives may have been reinforced by Islamic influence and colonial writings.
I wanted to ask the community:
- Do most Somalis today genuinely believe they descend from Arabs, or is this more of a political/historical myth?
- Which Somali clans specifically claim Arab ancestry? The book mentions that Darod, Isaaq, and some Hawiye sub-clans trace their lineage to Arabia. The Tunni also have some narratives linking them to Arab forefathers. Are there other groups with similar claims?
- Which Arab tribes are Somali clans said to descend from? The book mentions the Quraysh and Azd tribes, particularly in relation to Darod and Isaaq. Do Somalis still identify with these connections today?
- Are there major Somali clans that completely reject Arab ancestry and instead emphasize a purely Cushitic heritage?
- How do Somalis reconcile the idea of Arab descent with their overwhelmingly Cushitic linguistic and cultural traits?
Would love to hear different perspectives especially from those who have studied Somali history in-depth! Do these genealogies hold weight, or are they just myths that have been passed down?. Here are some images from the book:
