Waka (god)

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Waka - also Waqa , Waaqa or Waaq - is a high god in the traditional religion of the Cushitic-speaking peoples of the Oromo and the Somali .

In the languages ​​of Oromo, Konso , Burji , Hadiya , Tsamay , Dassanetch , Arbore , Elmolo , Bayso , Rendille , Dahalo and Somali - with the exception of the Dahalo, all East Cushite languages - Waaq is still the word for "God", even if these peoples today have partly converted to Islam or Christianity .

Waka with the Oromo

In the traditional Oromo religion, Waka creates and regulates the existence of all animate and soulless, material and immaterial things and brings them into balance. Accordingly, according to the belief, there must also be a balance between women and men, young and old, physical and spiritual power in accordance with the cosmic order of Waka. If this is disturbed, the loss of peace and order under Waka ( called safuu ) threatens , and chaos breaks out.

Spirits, called ayana , represent waka.

Waka among the Somali

The Somali have largely converted to Islam since the 7th century . Especially with the clans of the Hawiye and Dir , elements of the old religion have been preserved and are incorporated into the practice of Islam.

To this day, the Somali word for "God" is Waaq . The place names Caabudwaaq and Ceelwaaq are also associated with it.

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