Mowlana Abd al-Rahman Nurow

Al-Abgaaliyi (Mowlana Abd al-Raḥman bin Mahmud al-Abgaalii مولانا عبد الرحمن بن محمود الابغالي; 1756–1837) was a Somali scholar who played a crucial role in the spread of the Idrisiyya Sufi order in Somalia and East Africa.

Born in the city of Mogadishu to the dominant Abgaal clan family, he studied elementary ilm under the supervision of the local Ulema, he later travelled to Mecca, Medina and Yemen, studying under the famous Ahmad ibn Idris al-Fasi. His contemparories include Abu'l 'Abbas Al Dandarawi and the founders of Salihiyya and Senusiyya. A Sufi doctrine that had spread across the Muslim World with many Haḍra traditions but based on a foundational Salafi creed.

He was often called "Shafi'i As-Sagheer", a "young Imam Shafi'i", for his exemplary knowledge in areas of Fiqh and Tafseer. His tariqa following would later be known as the Raxmaaniya.

Mowlana Mahmud traveled to various Islamic centers in the Horn of Africa such as Harrar. Upon returning to Benadir, he established a community of pupils, setting out to spread the Idrisiyya order throughout the region. This enhanced his reputation and also helped the order gain considerable success amongst the region's pastoralists, the religious elite, and the villagers of the interior. Famous students include Haji Ali Maye and Sheikh Hassan Barsane.