Contested Interpretations of Muslim Poetries, Legitimacy and Daily Life Politics

In Somalia the translation and interpretation of qasiidooyin commonly recited and sung within the celebration of nabi-ammaan are considered matters not "pertaining" to all. Regardless of this, participants in the ceremonies hold their own views of their actions within the ritual and behave consistently with their understanding. More than once, when asking for translations of complete songs from common people they would refuse and suggest that we refer to a more knowledgeable person, notably a sheekh or a khalifa they would mention; and yet, they seemed never to be sure which one would be best for the task and, often, after further enquiries, they realised he of she was in fact not the best and another person was called onto the scene. On the other hand, university level educated people would agree to engage in literal translations while declaring their ignorance on the issues concerned; yet, if the recordings of the qasiidooyin come from rural areas where certain dialects are spoken (usually, not their own) then they often express derision and scorn towards the contents of the verses, a disdain which is extended to those who recite such poetry. Alternatively, if the verses come from the part of the country they originate from, literal translations would be provide, yet with the clarification that they did not necessarily express the more profound contents related to those texts.