Qaraan, a cherished Somali tradition, stands as a testament to the collective strength and resilience of the Somali community. In times of crisis, such as the loss of property, the death of loved ones, or other forms of misfortune, Qaraan comes to life as both a trauma-healing technique and an altruistic tradition.
Rooted in the spirit of communal response to need, this practice involves the collective efforts of kinsmen and the clan to provide a safety net that mitigates the impact of devastating losses.
The broader term for such collective efforts is Gurmad, encompassing community development projects that contribute to the overall well-being of the community. Whether it’s building schools, mosques, or water wells, Gurmad reflects the shared commitment of the community towards progress. Qaraan, as
a specific manifestation of Gurmad, is activated in response to individual or family crises. Typically, when misfortune befalls a community member, a meeting is convened among close clan members and neighbours. This gathering serves as the starting point for fundraising efforts to support the victim and their dependents, and is often facilitated by clan elders, who guide the proceedings and may set
fundraising targets. They also oversee the collection of resources, which extend beyond monetary contributions. In a true display of communal solidarity, individuals may donate their time, offer their labour, contribute goods, or lend equipment to the person or family in need.
