Qaraabo

Qaraabo is a Somali term denoting people connected by blood, marriage, or kinship. It is also known as ehel. Qaraabo is defined in two ways: the line of blood (people who share the same father or grandfather) and the line of marriage (people whose families have joined through marriage).

In Somali society, qaraabo is not merely a personal connection. It is a social structure that defines duties of mutual aid, inheritance, and responsibility. A person looks to his qaraabo for support when facing financial or legal hardship, and he in turn is expected to fulfil his obligations toward them.

Categories of qaraabo

Qaraabo are typically ranked by closeness of relation. The closest tier includes parents, children, and siblings. Next come uncles, aunts, cousins, and their children. As distance increases, the relationship extends to clan or lineage level—a group connected through a common ancestor.

Genealogy

Genealogy is the method of tracing a person's ancestors, typically through the paternal line. It is a way of establishing where a person stands within the kinship network. For this reason, when two people meet, they often exchange genealogies to learn the degree of their relationship.

Role in society and law

Under Islamic law, qaraabo plays a role in inheritance, marriage prohibitions (maxram), and maintenance obligations. In Somali custom, qaraabo takes part in diya (blood compensation) payments and conflict resolution agreements, with the kinship group held responsible for the actions of its members.

Change

Migration to cities and abroad has altered how kinship ties are maintained. Many families live in different countries and preserve their connections through phone and social media. Money transfers have become the primary means of providing financial support across the qaraabo network.