Hazrat Rabi'a al-Adawiyya al-Qaysiyya: The Saint of Divine Love and Devotion
By Rehan Ahmed Khan, New Age Islam
16 October 2024
Hazrat Rabi’a Al-Adawiyya Al-Qaysiyya, An Influential Sufi Mystic, Is Revered for Her Devotion to God, Ascetic Lifestyle, And Emphasis On Divine Love, Shaping Islamic Spirituality and Inspiring Generations of Mystics
Main Points:
1. Hazrat Rabi’a al-Adawiyya was a renowned 8th-century Sufi mystic from Basrah, Iraq.
2. She was sold into slavery but freed due to her devotion to God.
3. Rabi’a embraced asceticism, rejecting worldly attachments.
4. She emphasized worship motivated by pure love, not fear or reward.
5. Her teachings shaped Sufi thought and inspired future mystics.
6. Rabi’a remains an influential symbol of spiritual purity and divine love in Islam.
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Picture Credits: - Wikipedia common image
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Introduction
Hazrat Rabi’a al-Adawiyya al-Qaysiyya, often referred to as Rabia Basri, is one of the most revered figures in Islamic mysticism, particularly in Sufism. Born in 713 AD in Basrah, Iraq, Rabi’a’s life story and spiritual journey have left an indelible mark on Islamic thought and spirituality. Her deep devotion to God, her ascetic way of life, and her profound insights into divine love have made her one of the most respected Sufi saints, remembered not just for her piety but for her influence on the mystical path. Her teachings and life continue to inspire scholars, poets, and seekers of spirituality across the Muslim world.
Early Life and Struggles
Rabi’a was the fourth daughter of her family, and her name reflects this, as "Rabi’a" means "fourth" in Arabic. Her family lived in extreme poverty, often unable to meet basic needs, and this poverty shaped her early experiences. After the death of her father, Rabi’a’s life became even more difficult, and she became an orphan at a young age.
In a cruel twist of fate, Rabi’a was captured by thieves and sold into slavery. Her years in servitude were marked by harsh labor and suffering. Despite her trials, Rabi’a’s faith in God remained unshaken. It is said that even in her enslaved state, she would spend her nights in prayer and contemplation of the Divine. Her master, upon witnessing her piety and the strength of her devotion, was deeply moved. Realizing that her heart was entirely devoted to God, he granted her freedom. In a profound act of humility, her former master sought to serve her instead, recognizing her as a person of exceptional spirituality.
The Path of Asceticism and Divine Love
Once freed from slavery, Rabi’a chose a life of complete asceticism. She rejected worldly pleasures, wealth, and status, devoting herself entirely to the pursuit of God’s love. Her ascetic lifestyle became a central aspect of her spirituality, as she saw worldly attachments as distractions from divine love. Unlike other mystics of her time who may have sought the rewards of paradise or feared the punishments of hell, Rabi’a’s devotion was purely motivated by her unconditional love for God.
One of her most famous prayers reflects this unique approach:
“O God! If I worship You for fear of Hell, burn me in Hell; and if I worship You in hope of Paradise, exclude me from Paradise. But if I worship You for Your own sake, do not withhold from me Your Everlasting Beauty.”
This prayer epitomizes her radical theology of love, which places God at the centre of existence, independent of any hope for personal gain. Rabi’a’s emphasis on Mahabbah (divine love) as the ultimate motivation for devotion set her apart from many other religious figures of her time, who often emphasized fear or hope as central motivations for worship. Her unwavering focus on divine love later influenced many great Sufi thinkers, including Jalal ad-Din Rumi and al-Hallaj.
Influences and Teachings
Though she lived in seclusion, Rabi’a’s reputation as a holy woman spread across the Islamic world. Many sought her out for spiritual guidance, including prominent religious figures like Hasan of Basra. Hasan himself was a revered Sufi ascetic and theologian, and his relationship with Rabi’a is often portrayed as one of mutual respect. Their exchanges are recorded in Sufi literature, showing Hasan’s reverence for her wisdom and spiritual insight.
Despite living a life of poverty, Rabi’a always refused charity and insisted on relying solely on God’s provision. Her unwavering self-sufficiency was a testament to her faith that God would always provide for her, a conviction that resonated with her followers.
Rabi’a’s teachings emphasized the importance of personal responsibility in the spiritual journey. She encouraged her followers to cultivate an inner connection with God that was free of self-interest. Her spiritual philosophy revolved around the idea that true worship must come from love and not from a transactional mindset, where believers hope for heaven or fear hell in return for their devotion.
Her poetry and sayings have been passed down through the centuries, often revealing a deep, mystical yearning for union with the Divine. In one of her famous verses, she declares, "I have loved Thee with two loves, a selfish love and a love that is worthy of Thee. As for the love that is selfish, I occupy myself therein with remembrance of Thee to the exclusion of all others. As for the love which is worthy of Thee, therein Thou raisest the veil that I may see Thee."
Legacy and Reverence
Rabi’a’s life and teachings have had a profound impact on the development of Sufi mysticism. Her approach to spirituality, centred on the idea of love as the highest form of worship, shaped the course of Sufi thought for generations to come. She remains an inspirational figure for both men and women within the Islamic world, symbolizing devotion, purity, and the spiritual quest for closeness to God.
Rabi’a’s legacy is celebrated in Sufi orders around the world. She is considered not only a saint but also a spiritual teacher whose wisdom transcends time. Her sayings and poetry are still quoted in Islamic literature, and her tomb in Basrah remains a site of pilgrimage for those who seek her intercession and blessing.
Her unique position as a woman in a traditionally male-dominated spiritual landscape adds another layer of significance to her life. In a time when women's voices were often marginalized, Rabi’a broke through as a powerful spiritual leader whose teachings and influence rivalled those of her male counterparts. In this way, she has become a symbol of spiritual authority and leadership for women, showing that gender does not diminish one's capacity for divine love and closeness to God.
Conclusion
Hazrat Rabi’a al-Adawiyya al-Qaysiyya stands as one of the most significant figures in Islamic mysticism. Her life, characterized by asceticism, intense devotion, and a radical love for God, continues to inspire those on the spiritual path. She transformed the way divine love is understood in Sufism, shifting the focus away from fear and reward, and instead emphasizing the pure and selfless love of God. Through her teachings, poetry, and personal example, Rabi’a left behind a legacy that continues to illuminate the hearts of those who seek the path of divine love.
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Rehan Ahmed Khan is an Independent Research scholar specialising Muslim Personalities and Communal Harmony.
New Age Islam, Islam Online, Islamic Website, African Muslim News, Arab World News, South Asia News, Indian Muslim News, World Muslim News, Women in Islam, Islamic Feminism, Arab Women, Women In Arab, Islamophobia in America, Muslim Women in West, Islam Women and Feminism