The contest between Sufi and Salafi interpretations of Islam in Somalia is not a recent phenomenon but a centuries‑old struggle between local traditions and imported ideologies. In the 19th century, reformist militants in Bardheere, influenced by Wahhabi thought, sought to ban Sufi rituals, saint veneration, and certain trades. Their rise ended when Sultan of Geledi’s forces destroyed their settlement. Similar ideological clashes resurfaced in the early 20th century with the rivalry between the Salihiya and Qadiriya Sufi orders, leading to the assassination of Sheikh Awes M. al‑Barawi. Colonial administrations, while attempting to modernise education, co‑opted the Sufi establishment through mosque funding and religious patronage. These historical encounters reveal a recurring pattern: local Somali Islamic practices have often prevailed over foreign‑inspired reforms. Today, Salafi‑influenced groups, including Al‑Shabaab, wield far greater resources and media influence than their historical predecessors. While many Somalis reject militant extremism, Salafi‑backed networks often provide more effective services than the federal government, attracting disillusioned youth. The challenge lies in strengthening moderate Islamic voices without associating them too closely with Western political agendas, which risk alienating the very communities they aim to support. This enduring struggle continues to shape Somalia’s religious, political, and social landscape.