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.

​O my Lord
If I worship you from fear of hell, burn me in hell.
If I worship you from hope of Paradise bar me from its gates.
But if I worship you for yourself alone,
grant me then the beauty of your Face.

​-Rabia
Translated by Jane Hirshfield
​

It acts like love—music,
it reaches toward the face, touches it, and tries to let you know
His promise: that all will be okay.
It acts like love—music,
and tells the feet, “You do not have to be so burdened.”
​My body is covered with wounds this world made,
but I still longed to kiss Him, even when God said,
“Could you also kiss the hand that caused each scar,
for you will not find me until you do.”
It does that—music—helps us to forgive.

​-Rabia
Translated by Daniel Ladinsky
​

Rabia
718-801

​Rabia of Basra was a mystic poet believed to have been born in 718 in Basra, Iraq. 

Rabia’s life was very hard. At a young age she was sold into slavery and was forced to work in a brothel. She often spent the whole night in prayer. Sometimes she would fast during the day out of love and remembrance of God. She felt that the difficulties in her life did not define her, but rather were lessons that brought her closer to God.

At about age 50, she was freed. She went to the desert to pray, meditate, and withdraw from the world in pursuit of knowing God. The result was self-realization.

​Books:

Love Poems from God
By Daniel Ladinsky
©2002 
​
​Mystic Poet: Rabia

Available from: Amazon
​and other book sellers

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Women in Praise of the Sacred
Edited By Jane Hirshfield
©1994 
​
​Mystic Poet: Rabia

Available from: Amazon
​and other book sellers

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