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The Imamate of Awsa (Aussa), established in 1577 by Muhammad Ibrahim Gasa a relative of the famous Imam Ahmad ibn Ibrahim al-Ghazi one of his first decisions was moving the capital to Awsa due to frequent Oromo attacks that weakened the city of Harar. The new location offered a more defensible and secure position from which to govern .
The new capital quickly grew to become a powerful force in the region with its strong leader, strategic location, and organized army it gained the respect and fear of all its neighbors. The king of Abyssinia feared its influence and its leader who became known as :
"AL-imam AL-Mujaahid"
Source : Tariikh Muluk Awsa
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In 1039 hijri the great city of Awsa faced a horrific event a massive "mountain explosion" destroyed the city. This event recorded in two historical accounts: one by Al-Faqih Al-Mutahhar Al-Jarmuzi and the other by Al-Faqih Al-Hadi bin salah bin Al-Hadi Al-washli, Let’s take a look at each account separately
Narration of Al-Faqih Al-Mutahhar Al-Jarmuzi :
[ A pilgrim traveler from the land of Maqra, from a place called Dhi Hud, reached us. He said he was a stranger living in the lands of Abyssinia, in a great city whose people were Muslims. But they went to extremes in committing sins. Then, from a mountain higher than their city, something like fire exploded. Smoke filled the sky, its smell was foul, and the sound of the explosion was terrifying. A thick, tar-like liquid came out with it. Many people from that city perished — I believe he said around 400 homes — and those who survived ran out crying, begging, and asking for forgiveness ]
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Narration of Imam Al-Hadi bin Salah Al-Washli :
[ A caravan arrived from Mocha, passing through Jeddah, carrying many pilgrims — among them people from Zeila. They informed us of earthquakes and said they had been in the famous city of Awsa, known for having a man who called himself Imam and fought against unbelievers. On the night of the 13th of Rajab, fire appeared from a mountain called MarMar, which overlooks the city of Awsa. The fire grew stronger and eventually reached another nearby mountain. Thunderous sounds were heard, and the city of Awsa collapsed. All of its livestock, including cattle and horses, were lost. Only the edge of the city and the Imam’s place remained. By morning, they counted more than 5,000 dead. Another caravan later confirmed this, and among them was a noble Hashemite who said he had witnessed the fire and the stones falling on the city... ]
Source :
الجوهرة المنيرة في جمل من عيون السيرة .1
2. الجوهرة المضيئة في تاريخ الخلافة المؤيدية
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The story of the Zayla'is and their descriptions agree with what Gadabuursi preserved in their oral history. As Cerulli recorded when he met them they said that the Harla are cursed people who deserved God punishment because of their sins ... there are no more details about what they did specifically, but its a sad story that remains in the memories of many people of the region. In the end we can only pray for mercy for them and God accepts the innocent among them as martyrs. Aamen
و الـــلـــَّهـــُمَّ صـــَلِّ وَســــلـــــِّمْ وَبــــَارِكْ عــــلــــى نــبـــِيـــِّنــَا םבםב ﷺ
