Aw (father)

Aw (sometimes spelled Au)^[1][2][3] is an honorific title in the Harari and Somali languages.^[4][5][6] It commonly designates a father, respected elder or saint in Harari and Somali languages.^[7][8][9] It is used widely and most commonly in the Somali territories.^[10]

Etymology

According to linguist Edward Ullendorff term '"Aw"' from Harari language is linked to the Proto-Semitic term Ab meaning father.^[11][12] According to Giorgio Banti the term has been adopted by various Somali clans from the Harari language.^[13]

History

During his research in the ancient town of Amud, the historian G.W.B. Huntingford noticed that whenever an old site had the prefix Aw in its name (such as the ruins of Awbare and Awbube),^[5] it denoted the final resting place of a local saint.^[14]

Most notably applied to the founder of Harar Aw Abadir.^[15] According to the southern Somali Geledi clan, the appellation Aw was common amongst them and was used “scrupulously” in interactions between the nobles and half casts.^[16] Sorcerers among the Arsi Oromo are known as Awan Shan which is derived from the title Aw.^[17]

Notables

People with the title include:

• Aw Barkhadle, saint
• Aw Barre (Awbare), Adal era saint
• Aw Buba (Awbube), pre Ifat era saint
• Aw Abdal, saint
• Aw Ali Hamdogn, saint and scholar
• Aw Abadir (Aw Badir), saint and scholar
• Aw Umar Ziad, saint
• Aw Ansaar, saint
• Aw Hashim, saint and scholar
• Aw Seid, saint
• Aw Sofi Yahya, saint and scholar
• Aw Qutub, saint and scholar
• Aw Qurrabe Limay, saint

Further reading

• Emile Foucher, Names of Mussulmans venerated in Harrar and its Surroundings A List. Harrassowitz Verlag, 1988