Another recently arrived group, the Barawans, lived in the Kismayu area, where they were predominantly fisherman and small-scale artisans like shoe cobblers. Much of the current strife in Somalia is centered around clan disputes, as allegiance to the clan far outweighs allegiance to a united Somalia. Religion Somalis almost universally can be categorized by their strong adherence to Islam, the Sunni sect in particular. Accordingly, the Islam religion shapes many aspects of Somali culture. However, women in Somali culture have considerable status, and many resettled refugee women are highly educated and held professional positions inside Somalia.
Handshakes are appropriate only between men or between women.
Even in the U.S., Muslims prefer to wash with poured water after a bowel movement. Ritual cleaning of the body, especially before prayers, is dictated by Islam. Islam particularly proscribes the consumption of alcohol and pork. Birthdays are not particularly celebrated by Somalis, and it is not uncommon for people to not know the exact date of their birth. Alternatively, the anniversary of family members' deaths are observed and celebrated.