Monday, May 08, 2006
Rabia
Rabia is one of the most interesting of the early Sufi saint/poets. Here is one of her poems (posted by Ivan Granger today) followed by his own very helpful description of her background.
O my Lord, the stars glitter
By Rabia (Rabi'a Al-'Adawiyya)
(717 - 801)
English version by Charles Upton
O my Lord,
the stars glitter
and the eyes of men are closed.
Kings have locked their doors
and each lover is alone with his love.
Here, I am alone with you.
-- from Doorkeeper of the Heart: Versions of Rabia, Translated by Charles Upton
============
Rabia, sometimes called Rabia of Basra or Rabia al Basri, was born to a poor family in Basra in what is now Iraq. Her parents died of famine and she was eventually sold into slavery.
The story is told that her master one night woke up and saw a light shining above her head while she was praying. Stunned, he freed her the next morning.
Rabia chose a solitary life of prayer, living much of her life in desert seclusion.
Her fame as a holy woman spread and people began to journey to her retreat, to ask advice, to study, to learn.
Today she is greatly revered by devout Muslims and mystics throughout the world.
A question for all you lovers: What does it mean to be truly alone with God?
Ivan Granger
(see www.poetry-chaikhana.com)
O my Lord, the stars glitter
By Rabia (Rabi'a Al-'Adawiyya)
(717 - 801)
English version by Charles Upton
O my Lord,
the stars glitter
and the eyes of men are closed.
Kings have locked their doors
and each lover is alone with his love.
Here, I am alone with you.
-- from Doorkeeper of the Heart: Versions of Rabia, Translated by Charles Upton
============
Rabia, sometimes called Rabia of Basra or Rabia al Basri, was born to a poor family in Basra in what is now Iraq. Her parents died of famine and she was eventually sold into slavery.
The story is told that her master one night woke up and saw a light shining above her head while she was praying. Stunned, he freed her the next morning.
Rabia chose a solitary life of prayer, living much of her life in desert seclusion.
Her fame as a holy woman spread and people began to journey to her retreat, to ask advice, to study, to learn.
Today she is greatly revered by devout Muslims and mystics throughout the world.
A question for all you lovers: What does it mean to be truly alone with God?
Ivan Granger
(see www.poetry-chaikhana.com)
