The Inspiring Tales of Rabia Al Adawiyya: The Great Female Muslim Sufi Saint From Basra

When it comes to the history of Islamic spirituality, one name that stands out with unparalleled influence is Rabia Al Adawiyya. Born in the 8th century in Basra, Iraq, Rabia was a remarkable woman who dedicated her life to the pursuit of spiritual enlightenment and became one of the most revered Sufi saints in history.

Despite being born into poverty and enduring immense hardships, Rabia's unwavering faith and profound wisdom propelled her to become a beacon of light for Muslims and non-Muslims alike. Her life story is filled with anecdotes that epitomize her extraordinary devotion, asceticism, and unique approach to understanding spirituality.

Rabia Al Adawiyya's journey towards enlightenment began at a young age. As a child, she was orphaned and sold into slavery. However, instead of succumbing to despair, Rabia embraced her circumstances as a means to deepen her connection with God. She often spoke of her faith as a means of liberation and empowerment, emphasizing that true freedom could only be attained through a profound relationship with the divine.

Tales of Rabia Al-Adawiyya The Great Female Muslim Sufi Saint from Basra

by Ashlea Ryan(Kindle Edition)

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It is said that Rabia would remain in profound meditation throughout the night, losing herself in ecstatic prayer and experiencing mystical encounters with the divine. Her intense devotion and unwavering love for God made her an exemplar for seekers of truth, inspiring countless individuals to redefine their understanding of spirituality.

One of the most famous tales associated with Rabia Al Adawiyya tells of an incident when she was once seen running through the streets of Basra with a lit torch in one hand and a bucket of water in the other. When asked why she was doing so, Rabia explained that she was going to set fire to heaven and extinguish the fires of hell so that people would worship God for the sake of love and not fear of punishment or desire for rewards.

This story perfectly encapsulates Rabia's philosophy, which revolved around the concept of divine love. She emphasized the importance of seeking God's pleasure through sincere devotion rather than mere obedience. For Rabia, true spirituality was marked by an all-encompassing love for God, a love that transcended the boundaries of fear and selfish desires, ultimately leading to a union with the divine.

Throughout her life, Rabia Al Adawiyya emerged as a champion for women's rights and equality in Islamic society. She challenged the prevailing societal norms of her time, encouraging women to strive for spiritual excellence and pursue their own paths towards enlightenment. Her teachings emphasized the inherent worth and potential of every individual, regardless of gender, and she advocated for the empowerment of women in matters of faith and spirituality.

Rabia's legacy as a spiritual luminary and a brave advocate for women's rights continues to resonate with millions of people around the world. Her teachings have transcended time and geographical boundaries, inspiring generations of Muslims and non-Muslims alike to delve deeper into the realm of spirituality and embrace a path of love, compassion, and service to humanity.

The tales of Rabia Al Adawiyya, the great female Muslim Sufi saint from Basra, serve as a testament to the transformative power of spirituality and the pursuit of divine love. Her life story reminds us of the resilience and strength of the human spirit, and her teachings continue to guide and illuminate the hearts of those in search of truth and enlightenment. Rabia's unwavering faith, devotion, and advocacy for women's rights make her a revered figure in the annals of Islamic history, and her legacy shines as a beacon of inspiration for generations to come.

Tales of Rabia Al-Adawiyya The Great Female Muslim Sufi Saint from Basra

by Ashlea Ryan(Kindle Edition)

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1083 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	14 pages

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Running with fire in one hand and water in the other, Rabia explained, “I am going to burn paradise and douse hellfire so that both veils may be lifted from those on the quest, and they will become sincere of purpose. God’s servants will learn to see Him without hope for reward or fear of punishment. As it is now, if you took away hope for reward or fear of punishment, no one would obey.”

This was the mentality of the most famous female Sufi saint, Rabia al-Adawiyya, who set forth the doctrine of Divine Love. She maintained praises of God weren’t meant to be merely performed with the tongue, ears, eyes, hands, or feet — but with the wakeful heart.

“O Sons of Adam, from the eye, there is no way-station to the Real. From the tongue, there is no path to Him. Hearing is the highway of complainers. Hand and foot dwell in perplexity. The matter falls to the heart. Strive for a wakeful heart.” (Rabia al-Adawiyya)

Born in year 717 to a poor family in Basra, Rabia al-Adawiyya, was the fourth daughter to her parents. She later became an orphan and was sold into slavery. According to Farid ad-Din Attar, Rabia ran away from her owner and put her face to the ground saying, “All I want is for You to be pleased with me, to know whether You are pleased with me or not.” She heard a reply reassuring her not to be sad and promising her good. Rabia then went back to her owner.

One night, while she prostrated in prayer to God, her owner overheard her and witnessed a chain-less lantern suspended above her head light up the entire room. Upon this sight, the owner freed Rabi’a, and she spent her life in devotion to God.

According to Attar’s “Memorial of the Friends of God,” which holds the most thorough account of Rabia life, Rabia of Basra is considered one of the Sufi masters. Ironically, during her time, people referred to the masters as the “ranks of men.” However, the deep Sufi concept of God’s Unity leaves no room for individuals, gender, or status.

Rabia sincerity and love resulted in her being accredited by the men of her time. She delivered passionate and eye-opening words of wisdom to them regarding God, and they took her teachings to heart.

Salih Murri, God’s mercy upon him, often used to say, “Whoever knocks at a door will have it opened in the end.”

Once Rabi’a was present. She said, “How long will you say, ‘He will open it again?’ When did He close it that He will open it again?”

Salih said, “Amazing! An ignorant man and a wise, weak woman.”

She referred to herself as a “weak woman,” and so others called her this as well. However, her title was contrary to her actions, as she was a strong-willed woman who criticized and helped develop the other Sufi masters of her time.

Rabia lived the life of an ascetic, for her only concern was God. She paved the way for later female saints, and she reached a state which all Sufis strive for through the destruction of her nafs (ego/self). She developed a relationship with God built on love and tawakkul (trust). She didn’t devote herself to Him out of desires for reward or fear of burning; rather, she only wanted to please God and never be cut off.