To What Extent is the Somali Oral and Literary Genre Focused upon Moral Preaching and Teachings - Essay Example

Somali Literature Somali Literature has always found itself deeply linked with Islam and its concepts. Where does the line of morality and ethics come here, and from where the jurisdiction of religion comes into Somali poems, is the focus of this essay. What follows is an inquiry into issues which are integral to the cause of explaining the religion to readers; the most plausible option shall be elucidated. Subsequently, a few areas are discussed hereunder, which are considered for an evaluation of the issue. Essentially, explaining the religion is considered as a moral obligation in almost all cultures and theologies around the world. It is taken as a compulsory act of beneficence, without which the integrity of the writer is lost, and essentially the entire process of literary expression suffers an emotional blow. The act of kindness is hence lost, and there surfaces an immense feeling of betrayal and anguish on part of the reader. For one, many readers around the world do not have the technical expertise to understand and analyze the information provided to them – especially when it deals with religious intricacies. To add, a reader goes through several emotional ups and downs during the review. True beneficence lies in the enlightenment of the reader, and if this cannot be actualized at the end of the day, then the literary process would have drastically failed. Writers frequently ignore their readers’ wishes when they consider the appropriateness of expressing what they really mean. A complete shift from nondisclosure to mandatory disclosure without considering readers’ preferences may lead to disarray in the expression of thoughts. The fact is perhaps true when viewed objectively. The writer possibly knows best when and what is necessary for the text. It is also purported that by explaining the religious side, one would be able to present a scenario that is non-malicious. Withholding of religion has integrally been taken as taboo over the years spanning human civilization. So it would go without saying, that if somebody is explaining the religion to the readers, then an act of good is being conducted. The purpose of religion explaining is not simply to enable readers to make informed choices about self and other aspects of their lives but also to inform them about their situation. This seems to be the characteristic pattern in Somali writings. “In the annals of Somali histori­ography one comes across a number of sheikhs who were great poets. These sheikhs were mostly known for their leadership of religious sects and/or for their patriotic role in the fight against colonial occupation.”(Ahmed, 1991)1 Many people sadly don’t have their aims clear before they are about to venture into a program. Especially when the reader load is beyond the ordinary, one tends to neglect special cases and everything seems to be running through. It is only later that one comes to realize that things could have turned out differently if a different strategy had been adopted for a particular reader. Then the writer finds being asked the question: Why did I respond the way I did? No person actually is satisfied with this answer, in whatever environment one may chose. There is always a better way to react to a given situation than the one that has been chosen by the operative, hence one has to make a very honest evaluation of the way in which the reaction was made. There is nothing bad in reacting in a way that is not desired. But the fact of the matter remains that there would be people who would be ale to realize and establish those types of working parameters who would eternally be helpful for a person to know what exactly he is doing. Then one tends to inquire upon the consequences the action for self. Though a one-line question, but the answer is rarely so brief. This actually encompasses the sociology of literature, wherein one gets the idea about how far reaching are the consequences of my actions. Again, it is next to impossible to satisfy every person. But what one needs to make sure is that the professional ethics and parameters are not being compromised upon. Rest everything will have its good and bad days. There cannot be a single modus operandi for a reader. The writer has to be tactful and creative in his approach of literary provision. Yet, there has to be caution on how a person is going to react in the broader perspective. On the other hand, it is propagated, that there is nothing evil or vicious about not explaining the reader a few things beyond religion. The reader can be frightened with certain facts that are disclosed to him about the concept of hereafter. Additionally, if the problem is going to be rectified in the future, then the writer may not deem it necessary for the information to be shared in the first place. It is also felt generally, that when people are not told their due share, then their respect is being jeopardized. Regard for a human being requires, that of there is any information that is directly concerned to him/her, than it should be immediately passed on, so that they can be mentally prepared for the same. It is thus believed, that the actual regard for literature would be actualized when the reader finds his/her enlightenment. Subsequently, if the writer feels that there is something that the reader would be well off knowing, then they should not refrain from disclosing that information. The best context of discussing life-altering and life-threatening issues is when readers can relate the conversation, understand its significance, and participate in a reformation of themselves. The ethical grounds may seem to be coming under contention here, but even still, the stance for the enlightenment of the reader is paramount in the literary profession. For that, ends may well justify means. Meanings have always been a soar issue in any literary creation of the world, let alone religious ones, wherein the target reader is mankind it self. International conventions, state laws, as well as local jurisdictions all around the world give immense importance to the connotation of religion that they like to have. On the same lines, literature also has its understanding and representation of religion. The case of Somalia is no different, wherein there has been a profound influence of religion into poetry. On the social context, this presents another interesting scenario. Though it does seem plausible and though systems are in place as well, it is also thought that it should be well within the rights of the writer to express religious information to the reader at the in a way where s/he can express socials ideas. Sometimes, there is information that needs to be verified, and on other occasions, there is simply information that may not directly warrant the attention of the reader. Too much information can boggle down a person, and he may not know what to do about it. This is analogous to a 5th grade student being overwhelmed with concepts of nuclear physics – the knowledge is irrelevant to him, and cannot be assimilated as well. If somebody is not explaining things, then it can well be imagined, they do not trust the mental and emotional abilities of the reader. Religious concepts where are simple, there assimilation can become complex. However, a reader who is reading Islamic poetry in Somalia (or elsewhere) would be well aware of what to expect in the script, and hence the impact would be in line with the original text. This in effect is intriguing to the person, who is not being allowed to be a party to the issues pertaining to his own life. The wish to protect dependent relatives conflicted with the wish to be open, makes opinions very difficult. Considerable suffering is caused by poor communication, and much of this is avoidable. Subsequently, they may not really be able to handle the intensity of the facts, and may even be misdirected by certain details. Their lack of appreciation of reality may in turn lead them to deal with the situation in an undesirable manner which maybe detrimental to the literary process. It is also believed that writers have an obligation to disclose to readers specific information, the scope of which is determined by a court on the basis of a reasonable readers expectation and the circumstances of the case. Many of them are regulation changes, which the writer would understand but the reader would not. The reader would therefore unnecessarily feel differently, while the professional may have an entirely different stance about the situation at hand. The essence lies in the fact, that the reader is not really geared up to receive all the information available – he needs time to settle down, especially in the case of religious information. Then comes another very important phase of reflection; this deals with looking from inside out. While the first one was hardcore introspection, this particular phase deals also with looking at personal perspectives, but from a bigger perspective. Here again, some written work would be required. A description of the situation surrounding my thoughts and feelings would be in order, and would give a better realization of what actually is there in evaluation of the reality at hand. The reality which is true is a huge debate in philosophy and no one can say for sure as to what constitutes reality; however, the reference that is important in this activity is actually a condition wherein a person is to evaluate and document whatever seems correct to his own understanding. This concept of relative understanding is what causes majority of interpersonal skirmishes in the life of a person. As one may well be looking at the same issue in a different perspective from others, hence one can feel at times that others do not understand oneself. Consequently, in this phase, one would write down about my feelings in relation to the event(s) that have taken place. After which, description of the ‘here and now’ experience is very important. Sometimes, we tend to view reality in terms of objects and events that are non-existence or have been there only in the past. But in order to view the condition and circumstances of a reader at hand, the writer should take into consideration what is the state of affairs in the present, and what future concerns might arise as a result of the same. Within Somali literature and specifically poetry, there is an important influence of mentioning morality vis-à-vis Islam. It is also an integral constituent of enlightenment, wherein gradually and slowly, the reader is introduced to the actual stressor, only after the writer is confident that the person is emotionally capable for handling the circumstances. Whatever may seem obligatory for the writer, the most important thing for him/her is to enlighten the reader. Subsequently, if he feels that there should be something withheld for the cause of the reader, then the same protocol should be followed. It is a reflection of religious expression, it should know no bounds. Handling information is not something that comes naturally to every reader may take the religious facts as an adverse reality, and may act in retaliation as well. In the cause of literary provision, a writer may present some information which they consider would be most appropriate for the reader. Readers want their writers to be highly professional and expert in showing humaneness and support, but their first priority is for the writer to respect the autonomy of the subject, especially if it is religion. “The Somali religious man is feared for his powers to cast a curse referred to as asmo on his enemies. This curse is the ultimate weapon in the arsenal of the religious man and is to be used only under strict conditions as when the sheikhs existence or that of his clan is at stake.” (Ahmed, 1991)2 Getting the appreciation of the reader is a very major concern in the lives of the people who are involved in the ordeal. In Islam, usually, this involves life and death, wherein a correct decision in the correct perspective would be very crucial. Now, one cannot possibly take the right decision if the true perspective is not made available. Hence the need arises for the reader to be made familiar with the circumstances at all times, so that at the back of is mind, the thought process is ready and they are able to make the most plausible decision. Not to speak of the truth may simply alarm the reader, who in many cases will already have some idea of what their symptoms indicate. It leaves readers open to discovering their diagnosis in inappropriate ways or to seeking further information from dubious sources. This would be the right thing to do in the eyes of many, as withholding any information would then give the right to the writers to script anything they please. This would then result into a general feeling of mistrust and lack of belief within the readers at large, because then they would not be able to trust the literary providers with their lives. While writers cannot control all the stated reasons for readers seeking moral redress, they are able to influence the quality of their relationships with readers. And, as already noted, the foundation for a good reader-writer relationship is communication. In Somalian literature, this is often reflected in the form of a reflection into the teachings of Allah and Muhammad (PBUH), which becomes theoretically more of a hymnal and less of poetry. But there is no strict line of action to follow in this regard anyways. There seems no point for the literary provider to put his/ her own position under scrutiny as a professional. The competence of the person would hence demand to provide the information to the reader. Many readers may also feel that the writer is not providing the information because she does not know it or worse still, the proper expression has not been established. This can also be a very strong blow to the competence and proficiency rating of the professional, even if it is in opinion only. However, experienced writers may also elaborate here, that they find it disturbing when excessive amount of people indulge their interests in the literary processes. When they are writing about religion in Somalia, it is their way pf expressing their linkage to the Creator, and also an attempt to link the people into the same process, however, the average reader at large in their culture being less critical to religious writings can barely find a balanced view in the script, and can only resort to praise of the same. It is important to understand, that people may have pure concerns, but they have little specialized knowledge. Thus, letting them know about everything, without letting them having a proper grasp of the issues at hand, would be detrimental to the cause of the treatment. Holding onto some specifics would leave some room for the reader, who would have some hope and aspirations to cling onto, especially in palliative education. Often, it may be advisable that in times of challenges, one should look for a third adversary, and start to take the side of the reader. Though this might sound cowardly, yet it generates a feeling of trust within the reader, who then has the opportunity to realize what is most important for the cause of the treatment itself. Deciding what is best for somebody is again a very relative concern. Paternalism therefore further injects issues for writers and the like, which yet remain to be answered. This presents a dilemma for studies onto morality. A reader may be yearning for some information, but the writer may be feeling that it is not the appropriate time to do the needful. Additionally, this can generate self-esteem and ego issues as well for the reader, who may not be expecting the facts as they come to him, this may further make the moral enlightenment process complex and intricate, thereby complicating the scenario for the reader. There are various theological concerns as well, that end up playing a very important role in the decision of what needs to be the status of religion for a reader. Things often have a natural course in which they lead into eventuality. The writer through her experience can often come project the results early on, saving severe emotional trauma to the readers. Therefore, they can provide information early on, so that people are well prepared for the eventuality, even so in a good and acceptable way. Therefore, in modern literary practices, it is often considered as advisable to obtain pre-hand information about certain necessities on the religious level. Proper reflection specifically educates them about the extent of religion which is to be provisioned for a reader, thereby reducing the burden of onus on the literary professional. Even so, when the case is presented to provide information in a slow and dilute manner, that is almost equivalent to propagating religion, therefore, even providing information in a subtle way is a form of a consolation, which the readers must be entitled to. This eventually proves the case in favor of writers. Morality is always a sensitive term, and equally relative one as well. One can rarely understand, as to where the line of morality begins and ends. Specially in literature, where many human morality concerns are compromised every day, on the pretext of expressing the concept of self. Things in Somali literature are no different, presenting views on the same lines. As Orwin (2001) explains, this spirit is followed in most Somali literature, which has rigorous mention of God (Allah) and His last Messenger Muhammad (PBUH).3 Thus, what we arrive at is a universal expectation that religion should be made available according to moral principles, but what we lack are those universally well-defined mores and norms of morality in place. Hence the problem comes back to square one, wherein the writer is left to decide subjectively, as to what his morals are demanding from him therein. It is imperative to appreciate that all information must be provided on a need-to-know basis. As military-like as it might sound, it is the crux of maintaining the sensitivity of literature. It is therefore appreciated, that if the core cause is identified, and it is found to be integral to the life and treatment of the reader, then it should be shared without fail. However, when a writer actually reaches the stage when he can determine as to what is best, another debate in its own right. The reader, having his/her well-being at the hands of the writer would always expect to be told the religion; and if the readers finds otherwise, then there would seem no point in carrying on with the treatment from that place. The final nail in the coffin is always the moral issue of virtue. Above all the scientific mumbo-jumbo, legal jargon and readers’ emotional state, the primal issue remains that of virtue. A reader would expect out of virtue, more than anything else, that in this profession of messiahs, he would be told the religion all the times. Nonetheless, all this is easier said than done, it is important to consider here tan true virtue actually lies in ensuring the well-being of fellow beings. And if an experienced writer feels, that a person is not emotionally and physically ready to hear some news, then it is out of virtue that he would be withholding this information. Islam basically can be understood in terms of introspection, wherein a person gets an idea about his/ her own self. These literary professionals also need on opportunity to find time with their own selves, and appreciate the facts of life in a better way. From here springs an attitude that has more warmth and professionalism tat would eternally favor the reader. The first step that has to be valued by the literary professional is the first understanding of self. Although it is said that self-actualization is a process that can take a life time, and finality on the same can never really be attained, yet what is important to be understood is that it is a process, in which the journey is important, and both the destination. Hence, the essence of reflection derives from the fact that a person thinks and feels about the events that are happening around him, and which are likely to have an important and far reaching bearing on his personality. The second and more important step here would be to pay attention to the thought and emotions, with respect to the how exactly am I feeling about this religious script. Am I feeling the presence of transference; the relationship of attachment that a writer tends to form with the reader. There is every likeness, which either the reader in question is being compared with a close relative or loved one, or one may even see the future of the self in a similar self. This can create biases in feelings, and hence generate an environment of literary in which the reader will get unordinary treatment. This treatment format can both be positive and negative; if one feels that the reader should not be in this position, and that any amount of comfort which is provided, should be made available, then the reader would be provided with all the facilities. However, the opposite can also happen. It may also be felt that the reader has lost will power and does not want to apply himself to the required level; the former can get frustrated at the same. And the final education provision for the reader can hence suffer. The advice of professional writers regarding the same is very fruitful; writing down of ones feelings greatly enhances the organizing ability of the mind in the same realm. Actually, the thoughts keep firing in random order. But when we write them down, not only their order of importance comes to light, but also their intensity. It may well turn out that the affiliation is a positive one, or that the ideas are mere prayers of the reader. On the contrary, it can also be that extreme sorrowfulness is yielded out from this experience, as there is a sense of attachment that the writer has with the reader. From these writings, deductions for future course of action can be made successfully. It can be ascertained as to what really is the direction in which one sees the reader. If the feelings are very negative, then subsequently, they can be harnessed to form a relationship which would be important to the cause of the treatment and better understanding of the needs of the reader. At the same time, one can also establish if one is being more tenderhearted towards the reader even though others with more sever conditions may be going by the by in out observation. An equilibrium thus has to be generated in as far the handling of readers is concerned. It is important to document, as to what essential factors contributed to this experience of the reader, and well as the writer. If these are positive feelings, then endeavors can be made to repeat the stimuli and derive similar results in the future. However if the results have been on the negative side, then I should go on to isolate those factors that have caused the same. This would help in the production of circumstances that would be different from what has already happened. This is specifically important when a person has recently gone through a traumatic event, or has great difficulty in making true appreciation of the environment around him in a pleasant way. A greater level of insight at this venture would allow the reflection to move to the next phase. This means, that he would be able to point out the significant background factors that contributed to this experience. No event happens in isolation; there are many factors that need to be looked upon in totality for a wholesome picture to be made about the event. Reviewing on the same lines, there would be a need to understand and appreciate whatever is the major concern that may help a person in appreciation of the reality in a particular way just because of his specific background. Further, one endeavors into asking as to how the others felt about the entire thing. This again can be a hypothetical question as the real answer would never be available. Certain people may well be vocal about their approach and ideation about what they consider relevant or absurd in a particular methodology adopted, but the actual feelings they have can only be guessed through their non-verbal reactions. And with experience, there can be an idea as to how welcome is a particular strategy with the reader. That is perhaps the only concrete way through which one can analyze how others have felt. In addition, their future discourse regarding the same would also give invaluable input regarding the same. As mentioned earlier, the professional ethics must not be compromised upon. A person who is dealing with human beings as a profession really has a very thin line to walk as far as ethics are concerned. Knowing and believing that one acted for the best, is the true test that every certified writer has to feel at all times. There will always be different factors (both embodied within /outside the environment) that would influence. These can always sway one from the ethical parameters, and then create disturbances for people. These are the core values based upon which, I can have the same yardstick to deal with all readers of the same genre without injustice. There are always some observational facts that can provide invaluable insight and help to being in such a profession. Certain habits, reactions and dislikes of the reader can be very important pointers that facilitate effective behavior. It is important to know what knowledge can inform, and provide more information about the reader and his circumstances. These would in effect help to generate a more customized literary environment for the reader. The crux of the entire experience is a more insightful persona on my part, whereby one can realize, understand and appreciate things that would normally pass by without any notice. This is the most crucial personalized training that one can indulge myself into, which would not only help me become a better professional, but also a better human being. There are a multitude of religious, ethical, social and moral concerns. However, it has been argued that the primary concern should be provision of literary insight to a reader. It can take various courses of action, but the end product should not compromise on what is being given to the reader. Yes, the reader is entitled to the religion; but even before that, he is entitled to expression. The choice seems obvious. Read More