First Among Sufis: The Life and Thought of Rabia al-Adawiyya, the Woman Saint of Basra

by Widad El Sakkakini, Doris Lessing, El Sakkakini Widad

Born in Basra in the 8th century of an impoverished family, orphaned and sold into slavery, Rabia al-Adawiyya, rose to become one of the greatest Sufi teachers. An extraordinary kaleidoscope of myth and reality, of imagination and fact... is it not of importance that a woman of such stature and independence of mind existed so early in the story of Islam, to show what women could be, and how they could be regarded? Introduction by Doris Lessing

Genres: Islam, Religion, History, Biography, Poetry, Nonfiction, Biography Memoir

85 pages, Hardcover

First published December 1, 1982

Reviews

[Ummu · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pertama kali baca buku ini ketiak kuliah tingkat 1, hmm setelah membacanya nangis sesugukan. Menyia-nyiakan sisa kehidupan yang tlah diberikanNya.

Cinta yang Rabiah persembahkan untuk Rabbnya tidak bisa disamai oleh wanita manapun disaat ini.

I love it

[AskNezka · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really interesting story about this unique ascetic Sufi mystic, Rabi'a, who lived long before some of the most famous Sufi poets were around. Her understanding of detachment and focus are superhuman, I think. Her story is difficult to tell because she does not appear in many primary sources from the ancient period, but her sayings are meaningful and thought-provoking.

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a beautiful woman who's spirituality and love for God is inspiring!