Islamic courts began within clans before extending beyond them.

Evidence

In northern Mogadishu, facing opposition within his Abgal faction, ‘Ali Mahdi, with popular support, had encouraged the establishment of Islamic courts. This move, however, was soon opposed by another Abgal faction controlling the northern landing ground at Iselay and the small seaport at El-Ma’an (opened by Muse Soodi). Similar developments had occurred slightly later in south Mogadishu, starting with Islamic tribunals within clans and extending outside them, now applying the Shariah moderated by Somali customary law. — I.M. Lewis, I. M. Lewis, A Modern History of the Somali_ Nation…, 687

Categorization

• XREF: Directly sets up the Islamic Courts Union which Lewis presents as the climactic development of the post-2000 narrative in subsequent chapters. — connects to: Weak formal institutions strengthened Somali lineage elders and clanship

Broader Connections

• Weak formal institutions strengthened Somali lineage elders and clanship #corroborates (0.35)