Reer Faqi


Reer Faqi, also known as Banu Qahtan, is a Benadiri clan. It is primarily found in the southern coastal cities of Mogadishu, Marka, Baraawe and Kismayo.They established communities in the hinterlands in towns such as Afgooye, Baidoa, Diinsoor and Bardheere.

Etymology

The name Faqi comes from the Arabic fiqh.

Culture

The Reer Faqi lineage in a Benadiri context are inheritors of the role of Qadis. In Mogadishu the chief Qadi is chosen from this clan. This is not the case in other Benadiri settlements.
Due to their role in Benadiri society, especially in Mogadishu, the Reer Faqis must be seen as impartial. As a result, the Reer Faqi clan are not seen as either Reer Shingani or Reer Hamar Weyne like other Benadiri Mogadishu clans.They are one of the only groups who can be found in both moieties. Reer Faqis are also not part of any Sufi brotherhood and do not take part in Mogadishu's annual Banaadiri festival "shirta".

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