RABI'A OF BASRA

SELECTED POEMS

Rabi'a

In the hushed alleys of ancient Basra, a voice emerged from the shadows, echoing through the corridors of time-a voice that resonates still, capturing the essence of yearning, love, and spiritual awakening. Rabi'a of Basra: Selected Poems isn't merely a collection of verses; it's an intimate journey into the soul of one of the most enigmatic figures of Sufi mysticism. With each poignant line, you are drawn into a world where the divine and the earthly collide, sparking revelations as profound as they are transformative.

Rabi'a al-Adawiyya, a beacon of feminine spirituality in a male-dominated literary landscape, wasn't just a poet; she was a revolutionary. Born in Basra, Iraq, around the 8th century, her life was steeped in hardships- orphaned, enslaved, and ultimately liberated, she channeled her sufferings into a passionate devotion to God. Unlike her contemporaries, Rabi'a articulated a radical love that transcended mere romantic yearnings, advocating for a relationship with the divine that was earnest and deeply personal. Her poetry weaves this intricate tapestry of love, longing, and spiritual bliss, urging readers to abandon the mundane in search of the ineffable.

The selected poems remind us that Rabi'a's words are more than historical relics; they pulse with contemporary relevance. In a world grappling with isolation and disconnection, her verses evoke a sense of unity, encouraging readers to engage with the divine and one another. As Rabi'a writes, "Love is the light that illuminates the heart," casting aside shadows of doubt and despair. Here, your heart is not just a vessel of emotion; it becomes a bridge to the infinite. 💫

Yet, her radicalism does not shy away from the bittersweet. Some readers cautiously admire her fervent spirit, while others grapple with the intensity of her views on love and desire. Critics argue that her portrayal of divine love may romanticize suffering, yet therein lies the beauty of her work-Rabi'a invites us to wrestle with the complexities of the human experience. Her poetry challenges us to reflect on our relationships with others, igniting a craving for something deeper, something sacred.

With Rabi'a of Basra: Selected Poems, you're not just reading; you're immersing yourself in the fiery depths of spiritual longing. Each poem is a mirror reflecting your own yearnings and fears, demanding that you ask yourself: What do I truly seek? Her fervent cries will set your soul ablaze as you confront the shadows lurking in your own heart. This isn't merely a stagnant relic of the past-it's a clarion call to awaken from the slumber of complacency.

In a time when the world often feels unfathomably chaotic, Rabi'a's messages of love and devotion offer a path to solace. Moreover, her work has influenced generations-from Persian poets like Rumi and Hafez to modern spiritual seekers grappling with the essence of existence. As you glean insights from her verses, you'll find links that transcend millennia, binding together souls in an eternal dance of love. 🕊

Dive into this exquisite collection and allow Rabi'a to guide you through an emotional odyssey. The words of this 8th-century mystic have the power to reshuffle your perceptions of love, spirituality, and connection. Each poem serves as a vital thread in the fabric of humanity, a reminder that amid our struggles, there exists a profound unity waiting to be embraced. Don't wait. Embrace the journey that Rabi'a of Basra: Selected Poems offers-a journey unlike any other, where your heart may finally find its true beat.

📖 RABI'A OF BASRA: SELECTED POEMS

✍ by Rabi'a

🧾 67 pages

2012

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