The tragic news of the murder of Daud Hassan Ali is shocking news to all Somalis who knew him back home and in the Diaspora. I have known Daud Hassan Ali since 1992 having met him in central London and found him a conscientious and patriotic Somali who even from abroad never ceased to work hard to foster education for the people of Hiiraan, his region of origin. His enthusiasm lay behind the building of a school and a library in Beletweyn. He was the principal of that school.
Daud, who was born in Somalia in 1944, has moved to the UK in 1967 after winning a scholarship to study in Britain. After finishing his studies, he worked as a teacher and later as an educational psychologist for Birmingham City Council. He made regular trips back to Somalia and in 2004 decided to brave the dangers of his homeland and returned to Beletweyn to set up the school.
On 13 April 2008 Daud was murdered by militants along with four of his teachers and assistants. A Christian Somali, it seems likely he lost his life because of his faith. Religion should always be a matter between the individual and his or her Creator. The Almighty did not ordain a monolithic world inhabited only by one race and one religion. Rather, the Almighty created a pluralistic and diverse world where different specie, nations and religions coexist. Nor did He tell us to despise anyone because of race, religion or political opinions.
From the Qur’an, Al Baqara (The Heifer), verse 62, we learn: Those who believe in the message of the Qur’an, and those who follow the Jewish [Scriptures], and the Christians and the Sabians – any who believe in God and the Last day, and work righteousness – shall have their reward with their Lord. On them shall be no fear, nor shall they grieve.
We also learn from Al Baqara (The Heifer) in verse256, Let there be no compulsion in religion. Truth stands out clear from error. Whoever rejects evil and believes in God hath grasped the most trustworthy hand hold, that never breaks. And God heareth and knoweth all things.
Obviously among the biggest earthly crimes is the unlawful taking of life. The new Somalia we help create needs to be a tolerant nation where people of different race, religion and belief can visit, live and work together. Daud had a lot to offer to his nation and his community, but sadly he is no more. Every Somali is the poorer.