Garad (
Harari: ገራድ,
Somali: Garaad,
Arabic: الجراد,
Oromo: Garaada) is a term used to refer to a king, Sultan or regional administrator. It was used primarily by Muslims in the
Horn of Africa that were associated with Islamic states, most notably the
Adal Sultanate.[1][2]
Etymology
The origin of the term Garad is uncertain.[3] According to
Enrico Cerulli, Garad originates from the era of the
Adal emirate.[4] Garad denotes a headman within a "Gaar" (clan/house).[5][6] In the
Somali language Garad roughly translates to "chief" or "wise man", as well as "wisdom".[7][8] Garad also denotes a "chief" in
Harari and
Silt'e languages respectively.[9] A proposed word origin in the Harari language is Gaar Eqad, which literally means "front of the house."[10] However according to
Leslau, Garad is a Cushitic loanword in the Harari language.[11] Another word origin in the Somali language is Gar Aad, which is the concatenation of the words "justice" and "move towards", therefore the literal meaning of Garad in Somali is "One who seeks Justice"[12]
Within Somali clans the use of the traditional hereditary title "Garad" is most widespread among the
Dhulbahante and
Karanle and was also used by the
Habr Awal up until the 1940s.[17][18][19] According to tradition the Somali Girhi's founding Garad "Aboker" lived five centuries ago in
Harar.[20] Tradition among the Somali
Geledi clan claim
Aw Kalafow, a descendant of
Abadir, was the first to use the title Garad.[21] Enrico Cerulli and others state that the
Harari titles such as Garad were embraced by Somali chiefs.[22][23]
In the early seventeenth century
Emirate of Harar, Garad was the title given to tax collectors on behalf of the state. According to Richard Caulk, Garad was a bygone Harari title that was introduced to the
Oromo of
Hararghe whom also began using it.[24][25] Garads were also commanders of the army called the
Malassay in the Harar Emirate.[26] An eighteen century Harari chronicle states the Harar region went through major upheavals in the late 1700s which led to the destruction of several villages administrated by Garads.[27]
Somali Garad clans
There are many Somali clans suffixed with Garad, in particular subclans of the
Marehan and
Dhulbahante, which include:[28][29]