Rabia al-Adawiyya (717—801)

Die Before You Die

Ironic, but one of the most intimate acts

of our body is

death.

So beautiful appeared my death - knowing who then I would kiss,

I died a thousand times before I died.

"Die before you die," said the Prophet

Muhammad.

Have wings that feared ever

touched the Sun?

I was born when all I once

feared - I could

love.

(From Love Poems from God: Twelve Sacred Voices from the East and West, translated by Daniel Ladinsky)

Serving-girl:

"It's Spring, Rabi'a-Why not come outside,

And look at all the beauty God has made!"

Rabi'a:

"Why not come inside instead, serving-girl

And see the One who made it all-Naked, without veil."

(from Doorkeeper of the Heart: Versions of Rabi'a, translated by Charles Upton)

[O my Lord]

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.

(from Women in Praise of the Sacred, translated by Jane Hirshfield)

Where did you come from?

From There.

Where are you going to?

To There!

What are you doing Here?

I am grieving.

How so?

I am eating This bread

While doing That work!

(from Doorkeeper of the Heart: Versions of Rabi'a, translated by Charles Upton)