Somalia and the Horn of Africa are regions with a rich Islamic heritage and have been predominantly Muslim for centuries. The spread of Islam in the region can be traced back to the 7th century under the influence of trade networks and Arab traders. Over time, Islam became deeply rooted in Somali society and shaped its culture, law, and social structures. The majority of the Somali people are Sunni Muslims of the Shafi'i Madhab.
Somalia is a homogeneous nation of only Islam, but there is a wide spectrum of different religions among its neighbors; Among these religions are well-established Christian communities such as Ethiopians. The relationship between these two nations has not always been smooth. Conflicts between the two powers often stemmed from religious, political, and territorial tensions. One such example can be seen in the Ethiopian-Adal War (1529-1543). In this war, Imam Ahmed Gurey, who would become the leader of the Muslims in Somalia and the Horn of Africa, led the Eastern Adal Sultanate to fight Ethiopia (Abyssinian power). The life of this leader and the details of this war contain great lessons.
Who is Ahmet Gurey?
In the 16th century, Ahmed b. Ibrahim al-Gazi, commonly known as Ahmed Gurey, was born on an unknown date in the city of Zeylac, Somalia. As a teenager, Gurey was raised in Harar, then Ethiopia, and was nicknamed "Gurey" (as Somali language "left-handed"). Ahmed Gurey had deep Muslim faith as a member of the Qadiriyya Sufi Dariqah. This belief has been a factor shaping both his religious and military goals.
Rise to Power
Imam Gurey was one of the soldiers of Garad Abwan. During this period, he laid the foundation of his leadership and demonstrated his military capabilities. With the death of Garad Abwan and the fall of the Adal Sultanate in the grip of civil war in 1517, Ahmed Gurey became a powerful leader in the Adal Sultanate. He is known not only for his military strategies, but also for his charisma and leadership capacity. With the aim of spreading Islam, it has focused on expansion and has worked resolutely to achieve its unique vision and goals. Located in the Horn of Africa, the Adal Sultanate would rise as an important Muslim state under the leadership of Ahmed Gurey. However, it was necessary to oppose the divisions that would prevent this rise and the Ethiopian Christians who would take advantage of these divisions and imprison the Muslims. During the reign of Saaduddin, the leader of the Somalis, and the rulers who followed him, Christians constantly attacked Muslims, killed, plundered, took hostages, and even committed unacceptable acts such as burning them. It is for this reason that Imam Gurey's first act was to unite the divided Muslim people of Somalia and different ethnicities to eliminate this weakness.
Ahmed Gurey stands out as an important figure who left a mark in the history of Somalia. His religious beliefs, leadership abilities, and military strategies played a critical role in the rise of the Adal Sultanate. Until his death in 1543, Ahmed Gurey's success that marked regional history was his role in the Ethiopian-Adal War that took place between 1529 and 1543.
Ethiopian-Adal War
The Ethiopian-Adal War, also known as the Abyssinian-Adal War, was a military conflict that took place between 1529 and 1543, between the Christian Ethiopian Empire and the Muslim Adal Sultanate. Primarily initiated by a Habesha priest named Dejeel Jaan, it was later countered by the efforts of a young 21-year-old Muslim leader and military tactician, Imam Ahmed, who united the Muslim forces and repelled the enemy. The two armies eventually clashed in a fierce battle at a location called Diir, where the Muslims emerged victorious, capturing 500 prisoners of war. During this time, under Imam Ahmed's influence, various communities in the Horn of Africa, including the Oromo nomads, embraced Islam. Leading up to the conflict, Imam Ahmed held a significant position at the head of a powerful state gaining influence within the interior of the Horn, poised to initiate a critical military assault against the Christian empire. Ethiopia, ruled by Emperor Lebna Dengel, was a formidable Christian empire known as Abyssinia, aiming to expand its territory and influence.
The Abyssinians considered themselves guardians of Christianity in the region and frequently clashed with neighboring Muslim states. With his forces united, Imam Ahmed believed it was time to challenge Emperor Lebna Dengel's rule and launched a series of military attacks against the kingdom. Following a series of conflicts, Imam Ahmed Gurey besieged the city of Harar and launched a jihad campaign. Over time, Muslims in the region were emboldened, and their forces were significantly unified. Soon, Muslim forces began to conquer Ethiopian regions such as Amhara, Laasta, and Shawa. Emperor Eksum fled and took refuge in the Tigray region. During this period, Imam Ahmed ordered the payment of jizya (tax on non-Muslims). Addressing Muslims, Imam Ahmed assured them that they should not fear Harar anymore, emphasized the need for everyone to focus on their tasks, predicted the end of oppression and the establishment of justice, and highlighted the importance of showing mercy to widowed women. On that day, Muslim prisoners held in Christian dungeons were released.
Some Tactics in the wars
In addition to the trust he gave to the non-Muslims living in the areas he conquered, Imam Ahmet saw fit to release the captives in exchange for ransom. For example, in the battle of Ufaat, the Abyssinian king's aunt was taken prisoner, ruled by the judge, and then 50 ounces of red gold was paid by the king of Abyssinia. However, when we look at Imam Ahmet's practices in the war, we see that he remained far from worldly interests. When he entered the city of Candalba, which was ruled by the Abyssinian king, the Muslims there presented 20 ounces of gold to the Imam's wife to thank him. But Imam Ahmet refused this gift. In Rajab of 935 H. (August 1528), Imam left the city of Candalba and returned to the city of Harar with victory.
Imam Gurey's Last Battle
When Imam Ahmed Gurey returned to Harar, he sent a message to the Somali tribes to engage in a larger battle. A number of tribes, beginning with the Habar Magdi tribe, responded to the call for jihad. Then the imam began to prepare for a great war. He marched into Abyssinia, prepared his weapons, gathered his army, opened the treasury, and even sold the gold. He came to Zefa with his wife. Garad Din Binu was warmly welcomed and hosted by a good person like Adam. The Imam's pregnant wife gave birth to a son at Zefa, and the Imam's sister, Mu'nissa, remained a midwife there. When the Ethiopians learned of the imam's intentions, they took action. Troops from the Tigray region led by 24 priests also participated. Along with the Tigray priests came a man like Osman Dharar Ali, who was taken prisoner with his family and left Islam. However, this person later converted to Islam and joined the jihad until he was martyred.
While Imam Ahmad Gurey had largely conquered the Horn of Africa in the 1530s, the Christian Ethiopian kingdom decided to seek support from its European religious brethren. Therefore, in 1541, a Portuguese expedition led by Cristovao Da Gama arrived in support of Ethiopia. Thereupon, Imam Ahmed gathered an army supported by Arab and Turkish warriors from the Ottoman Governor of Yemen. He defeated and executed Da Gama at the Battle of Wofla in 1542, but the Ethiopians joined their emperor, Gelawdewos.
On February 21, 1543, Imam Ahmed Gurey and Portuguese forces faced off at the Battle of Wayna Daga. As the Imam's army came close to defeating the Christians, the Christians launched a counterattack and a single Portuguese soldier attacked the lines of Justice, killing Imam Ahmed by shooting him in the chest with an archebus. In this way Imam Ahmed Gurey was killed by the enemies. It is our hope that his place will be the place of martyrdom.
Imam Gurey's Legacy
The death of Ahmet Gurey was a great blow to the jihadist movements. Imam Ahmad's death had a lasting impact on the Adal Sultanate, as the Adal Sultanate was too recently established to overcome tribal differences. His successors found it difficult to establish authority over the nomadic Muslim tribes, and the influence of the Adal state was mostly concentrated around the city of Harar. After his death, the Muslim kingdoms of Somalia experienced internal conflicts and power struggles. The absence of a unifying figure like Ahmed Gurey weakened their collective strength, and over time they lost ground to Ethiopian forces. However, Somali Muslims managed to preserve their religious and cultural identity in their own regions.
Ahmet Gurey is considered a hero for many Somalis and a symbol of resistance against Ethiopian imperialism. His military tactics such as guerrilla warfare and the effective use of firearms are often praised by historians. Also, his dedication to preserving Islam and his efforts to unite the various Somali tribes are considered significant achievements. However, historical interpretations may vary, and some Ethiopian perspectives may view Ahmed Gurey as a threat to their empire.
All in all, Imam Ahmed Gurey's struggle is a manifestation of his determination to defend the principles of Islam and protect the sovereignty of the Somali people. With his visionary leadership and strategic military campaigns, he challenged the power of the Ethiopian Empire and became a symbol of resistance against imperialist powers. Imam Ahmed Gurey's legacy means much more than his life and encourages future generations to fight for their faith and unite against oppression. His tactical genius has left its mark on the history of Somalia and Africa. Although his death marked a temporary setback for the Horn of Africa Muslim kingdoms, his memory continues to inspire resilience and determination. Imam Ahmed Gurey's struggle reminds us of the necessity of courage, strategic thinking and belief in values in the fight for justice and freedom.
Perhaps an important teaching of his life is the importance of remembering the unity of Muslims and the necessity of having leaders who care about their religion and people. Otherwise, it may become more difficult for them to resist the infidels.
The original draft in Turkish: https://www.idrakpost.com/d/320/afrika-boynuzunun-islami-dehasi-imam-ahmet-gureyin-ornek-hayati-ve-mucadelesi
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