Rabia of Basra facts for kids

Rabi'a al-Adawiyya al-Qaysiyya (born between 714 and 718 CE, died 801 CE) was a very important Muslim saint and a special kind of spiritual teacher called a Sufi mystic. She is also known as Rabia Basri in many parts of the world. She is famous for her deep love for God and for teaching about "Divine Love."

Who Was Rabi'a al-Adawiyya?

Rabi'a was born in Basra, Iraq. This was during a time known as the Islamic Golden Age. She was the fourth daughter in her family, which is why she was named Rabi'a, meaning "fourth."

Much of what we know about her early life comes from the writings of Farid ud-Din Attar. He was a Sufi saint and poet who lived later. Rabi'a herself did not write any books about her life.

Her Early Life

When Rabi'a was born, her family was very poor. They didn't even have oil for a lamp or a cloth to wrap the baby in. Her father was a very religious man. He had promised himself he would never ask anyone for help except God.

One night, the Prophet Muhammad appeared to Rabi'a's father in a dream. He told him that his new daughter was very special to God. The Prophet said she would guide many Muslims to the right path. He also told Rabi'a's father to ask the leader of Basra for money. This money was a penalty because the leader had missed some prayers.

A Life of Devotion

After her father died, a great famine, or lack of food, hit Basra. Rabi'a became separated from her sisters. She went into the desert to pray and live a simple life. She became an ascetic, meaning she lived without many comforts and focused on spiritual things.

Rabi'a is often called the "queen of saintly women." She was known for her complete devotion to God. She taught about a pure, unconditional love for God. She showed that people could have a deep, loving relationship with God.

She famously prayed: "O Lord, if I worship You because of Fear of Hell, then burn me in Hell;

If I worship You because I desire Paradise, then exclude me from Paradise;

But if I worship You for Yourself alone, then deny me not your Eternal Beauty."

This prayer shows her pure love for God, not for rewards or to avoid punishment.

Her Passing

Rabi'a passed away in Basra in 801 CE when she was in her 80s. Her tomb, or burial place, was located outside the city.

Rabi'a's Teachings and Ideas

Rabi'a is known as one of the most famous and important women in Islamic history who chose a life of spiritual devotion. She was admired for her great goodness and strong faith.

She was very dedicated to God. When asked why she prayed so much, she said she didn't want any reward. She did it so that the Prophet Muhammad would be happy on the Day of Judgment. He would see what a woman from his community had achieved.

Rabi'a was very humble. She never claimed to be one with God. Instead, she spent her life trying to get closer to Him. She believed that worldly things were not important because they don't last.

She was the first to clearly explain the idea of "Divine Love," known as Ishq-e-Haqeeqi. This idea became a very important part of Sufism.

Stories and Wisdom

Many poems are said to be hers, but their true origin is not always known. After a difficult life, she found a deep spiritual understanding. People believed she could perform miracles because of her close connection with God.

Once, a Sufi leader named Hasan al-Basri asked her how she found her spiritual secrets. She replied, "You know of the how, but I know of the how-less." This meant she understood things in a way that couldn't be explained by simple steps.

One famous story says that Rabi'a was once a slave. Her master saw her praying surrounded by light. He realized she was a saint and was afraid to keep her as a slave, so he freed her.

Rabi'a and Women's Roles

Sufism often had different ideas about women compared to the general society. Rabi'a's life shows that women could have very important spiritual and intellectual roles.

In one story, Hasan al-Basri, a male Sufi leader, spent a whole night and day with Rabi'a. He said that during that time, he didn't think of himself as a man, and she didn't think of herself as a woman. He felt spiritually "bankrupt" next to her, seeing her as truly sincere and rich in spiritual goodness.

Rabi'a chose to remain unmarried. She did this to fully dedicate herself to God, putting her spiritual path above all else.

Famous Anecdotes

One day, Rabi'a was seen running through the streets of Basra. She carried a pot of fire in one hand and a bucket of water in the other. When people asked what she was doing, she gave a famous answer:

"I want to put out the fires of hell, and burn down the rewards of paradise. They block the way to Allah. I do not want to worship from fear of punishment or for the promise of reward, but simply for the love of Allah."

This story perfectly shows her pure and selfless love for God.

See also

In Spanish: Rabia al Adawiyya para niños

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