In the town of Guriel, located in Somalia’s Galgadud region, an annual event is held to honor the memory of Macallin Cali Cabdi Xirsi, a renowned teacher celebrated for his dedication to spreading the teachings of the Holy Quran. This year’s commemoration saw the participation of government officials, scholars, and community members who gathered to pay tribute to the late Macallin Cali.
The event featured various performances and speeches that highlighted Macallin Cali’s remarkable life and his invaluable contributions to Islamic education. Among the speakers was Sheikh Cali Nuur Cilmi, who shared the inspiring history of Macallin Cali’s unwavering commitment to propagating the Islamic faith.
“He was a teacher of goodness,” Sheikh Cali Nuur Cilmi remarked. “We must remember the righteous among us, like him and his peers, and pray that Allah Subhanahu wa ta’ala makes us among those who strive to uplift the teachers of the Quran to the people.”
The speakers emphasized the elevated status of those who dedicate their lives to teaching the Quran, as highlighted in a hadith narrated by the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him): “Even the smallest creature in the sea and the birds in the air seek forgiveness for the teachers of goodness.”
Macallin Cali Cabdi Xirsi was widely regarded as one of the most prominent Quran teachers in the Galgadud region. He established one of the earliest Quran schools in Guriel, where he taught and guided countless students in the study of Islamic texts.
The annual commemoration serves as a poignant reminder of the invaluable role that Quran teachers play in preserving and disseminating Islamic knowledge. It is a testament to the enduring impact of individuals like Macallin Cali Cabdi Xirsi, whose legacy continues to inspire and uplift communities across Somalia.
