Analyzing the Writings of Rabia al-Basri: “O my Lord, if I Worship You"

Abstract

Rabia al-Basri, a prominent 8th-century Sufi mystic and poet from Iraq, is celebrated for her profound spiritual insights and radical expressions of divine love. Her poetry transcends mere literary beauty, delving into the depths of human experience and the complexities of the relationship between the seeker and the Divine. This research paper aims to analyze her writings from spiritual, psychological, and philosophical perspectives. By examining her famous poem that articulates a desire for worship purely for the sake of God, we explore themes of love, longing, identity, and existential inquiry. The analysis highlights how Rabia's work reflects the essence of Sufi thought and offers a timeless exploration of the human condition in relation to the Divine.

Keywords: Rabia al-Basri, Sufi mysticism, Divine love, Spiritual insights, Philosophical perspectives, Psychological analysis, Existential inquiry, Human condition, Seeker-Divine relationship, Sufi poetry

JEL Classification: A30, Z12, Z11, O53