ABSTRACT
In this chapter, I put emphasis on changes in clan affinity, Islam and nationalism priorities and how these beliefs shaped the geo-historical social life and identity of Somalis at national and individual levels. The question is: could they (i.e. clan kinship, Islam and nationalism) all be simultaneously pursued? Both Islam and nationalism discourage the prejudice inherent in the interest of clan pride. Nationalists have a national interest contained within the scope of the Greater Somalia agenda. 1 That is re-uniting Somalispeaking people in the Horn of Africa under one nation state. They believe in self-determination and respect for the boundaries of the different nations. Islam is a way of life at individual and community levels, but it has recently been given a global dimension beyond the borders of Somali territory. Historically, religious difference and ethnic pride was a concern in the Horn of Africa. Within Somalia, clan pride and its susceptibility to provocation was always a source of feuds between neighbouring Somali clans. Somali nationalist activity was a secular way of fighting against colonisers by demanding independence for all Somalis.
