Somalia’s pastoral heritage has long been anchored in kinship networks that provide safety, security, and mutual obligations. These clan-based social contracts, whether patrilineal power structures or alliances of smaller lineages, operate under a stark reality: the strong often seek to dominate the weak, but even submission has limits. This principle is vividly illustrated in the story of Farah Nur, a renowned poet, anti-colonial warrior, and member of the Arab sub-clan of the Isaaq. In the late 19th century, the smaller Arab clan resisted the dominance of the powerful Iidagale, rulers of the Isaaq Sultanate. After enduring repeated abuses, the Arab crowned Farah Nur as their first Sultan. His coronation poem, The Limits of Submission, declared that while compromise had been offered, the Arab could not surrender beyond reason.