Sheikh Abdi Abikar Gafle

Sheikh Abdi Abikar Gāfle, also known as Gāfle (Somali: Sheekh Cabdi Abiikar "Gaafle"), is a Bimaal ma’allin (teacher-sheikh) and warrior born in Armadobe in 1852. He was also a figure in the Bimāl Revolt against the Italians. He died in 1922. He is described as one of the best known resistance leaders in Southern Somalia and from Merca.[1][2]

History

Gāfle finished his Quranic education and studies at home. He subsequently went to the Eel Gaal center close to Merca where he studied:

  • Fiqh (Islamic jurisprudence)
  • Tafseer (Qur'anic translations and interpretations),
  • Hadith (Prophet Muhammad’s tradition, Sunnah).[3]

In 1888, Gaafle started to travel increasingly all over the Shabelle Valley preaching his ideology, teaching and warning the public and about the Italian colonizers.[4]

The Bimal Revolt
Main article: Bimal Revolt

Gāfle took part in the Igalle shir(clan council) in June 1896 and led an army against the Italians. Gāfle was behind the alliance with the Dervishes and their leader Sayid Mohamed. Although the Dervishes provided Gāfle with firearms, they would not fight with him. Gāfle is said to have continued his resistance until 1908.[5][6]

References
  1. Marchal, Roland (1997). Studies on Governance. United Nations Development Office for Somalia.
  2. Mukhtar, Mohamed Haji (2003-02-25). Historical Dictionary of Somalia. Scarecrow Press. p. 199. ISBN 9780810866041.
  3. Mukhtar, Mohamed Haji (2003-02-25). Historical Dictionary of Somalia. Scarecrow Press. p. 199. ISBN 9780810866041. SHEIKH ABDI ABIIKAR “GAAFLE”
  4. Ahmed, Ali Jimale (1995-01-01). The Invention of Somalia. The Red Sea Press. p. 199. ISBN 9780932415998.
  5. Kusow, Abdi (2004-01-01). Putting the cart before the horse: contested nationalism and the crisis of the nation-state in Somalia. Red Sea Press. ISBN 9781569022023.
  6. Ahmed, Ali Jimale (1995-01-01). The Invention of Somalia. The Red Sea Press. p. 199. ISBN 9780932415998.
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