What inspiration do you get from the lifestyle of Rabia Al-Basri (reh.a)

[Crime_Master_GOGO]

I am really impressed by everything I read about her. Share her quotes/incidents that inspired you.

In the following incident, I am not sure if she was too old and hence there was no compulsion of parda, or there was any other reason;

A religious leader came to visit Rabi’a, and was shocked to see that her clothes were in tatters. He said: ‘There are many people who would provide you with decent clothes, if you would only allow them.’ Rabi’a replied: ‘Everything in this world is on loan to us from God. I am ashamed to accept the loan of a loan.’ The man went away, and said to others: ‘It is astonishing that a mere woman has reached such spiritual heights. She refuses to spend any time on material matters.’

-Attar, “Rabi’a”

[TLK]

Re: What inspiration do you get from the lifestyle of Rabia Al-Basri (reh.a)

CMG, as much as I am inspired by the lives of the some of the very pious momins that belonged to Tabe’een and Taba Tabe’een - there are certain things that always leave me with more questions than answers.

In the above examples, can I point out that what I see is the violation of the teaching of Prophet and his sunnat. I am sure that the religious leader was implying to Rabia Al-Basri that so many people would love to give you better clothes as gift. Giving and accepting gifts is a sunnat and refusal does not show modesty (at least in my opinion).

i am not criticizing the life or choices of such pious person as Rabia Al-Basr. I am thinking that the above story might be a fabrication. There are many stories about Rabia Al-Basri that are fabrication, like the famous one where she traveled from Basra to Makkah (for haj) by continuously rolling on the ground.

[Kinzz]

Re: What inspiration do you get from the lifestyle of Rabia Al-Basri (reh.a)

TLk bro but he wasn't giving gift he was asking her * if you want peoPle will give you*... I mean if someone is giving gift to anyone they won't ask beforehand.
And if u have read other story of Hazrat Rabia Basri where some people were visiting her and she gave one Roti to a Faqeer,then Someone sent her 11 Roti's and she accept them.

Wa Allah hu Alam.

[Crime_Master_GOGO]

Re: What inspiration do you get from the lifestyle of Rabia Al-Basri (reh.a)

Both of you have a good point. Thanks for sharing.

[QUOTE]
A group of men came to Rabi'a in order to test her. They said: 'Virtues and special gifts have been bestowed on men, not women. The crown of nobility has been placed on the heads of men, and the belt of generosity has been tied around their waists. The gift of prophesy has never descended on any woman. What can you boast of?' Rabi'a replied: 'I shall not dispute what you say. Yet women are less prone to pride, egoism and self-worship; they are less liable to think highly of themselves. And they do not so readily exploit others for their own pleasure.'
[/QUOTE]

-Attar, "Rabi'a"

[Crime_Master_GOGO]

Re: What inspiration do you get from the lifestyle of Rabia Al-Basri (reh.a)

*How numerous Your favors bestowed upon me, favors of gifts and grace and assistance. Your love is now my only desire and my ultimate bliss.
*

-Rabi'a, "Rabi'a the Mystic"

[Ashy2010]

Re: What inspiration do you get from the lifestyle of Rabia Al-Basri (reh.a)

I found this quote of Bibi Rabia Basi extremely beautiful:

It was told of Rabi`a that she was seen one day carrying a brand of fire in one hand and a pitcher of water in the other, and that she was running very fast. When they asked her what she was doing and where she was going, she said, “I am going to light a fire in the Garden and pour water onto it so that both these veils may disappear from the seekers, and that their purpose may be sure, and that the slaves of Allah may see Him, without any object of hope or motive of fear. What if the Hope for the Garden and the Fear of the Fire did not exist? Not one would worship his Lord, nor obey Him. But He is worthy of worship without any immediate motive or need.”