Rabia Basri Sufi Poetry - عَرَفْتُ الهَوى مُذ عَرَفْتُ هواك - Arabic Calligraphy

Rabia Basri, was an early Islamic mystic and poet who lived in the 8th century CE. She is one of the most prominent figures in Sufi history and is widely regarded as one of the earliest female Muslim saints. Rabia Basri's life and teachings have had a significant impact on Sufi thought and mysticism.

Basri's approach to spirituality emphasized the concept of divine love and the union of the soul with the Divine. Her poetry often expressed her intense longing for a direct and intimate connection with God. She is known for her emphasis on the idea of love for God being a higher motivation than the fear of punishment or desire for reward.

The following poem of Rabia Basri's captures a glimpse into her spiritual perspective and connection to the divine:

• English:

I only knew love when I knew love of Thee,
I sealed up my heart against Thy enemy.
I stood long in converse with Thee, who doth see
My heart’s inner secrets, but Thou I don’t see.
My love is twin loves, yet the twain are for Thee,
The first’s for Thy love, and the other’s for Thee.
And as for the first, which is love of Thy love:
Remembrance complete, not distracted from Thee.
And as for the second: my true love of Thee,
I see Thou as present in all that I see.
All praise to Thy name, and no praises for me,
For Thine is the glory in all unity.

-Rabia Al-Adawiyya
*Translation by Dr. Tim Winter (Abdal Hakim Murad)

• Arabic:

عَرَفْتُ الهَوى مُذ عَرَفْتُ هواك
وأغْلَقْتُ قَلْبي عَلىٰ مَنْ عَاداكْ
وقُمْتُ اُناجِيـكَ يا مَن تـَرىٰ
خَفايا القُلُوبِ ولَسْنا نراك
أحِبُكَ حُبَيْنِ حُبَ الهَـوىٰ
وحُبْــاً لأنَكَ أهْـل ٌ لـِذَاك
فأما الذي هُوَ حُبُ الهَوىٰ
فَشُغْلِي بذِكْرِكَ عَمَنْ سـِواكْ
وامّـا الذي أنْتَ أهلٌ لَهُ
فَلَسْتُ أرىٰ الكَوْنِ حَتىٰ أراكْ
فلا الحَمْدُ في ذا ولا ذاكَ لي
ولكنْ لكَ الحَمْدُ فِي ذا وذاك

- رابعة العدوية

Her teachings and writings have been influential in shaping the spiritual discourse within Sufism, emphasizing the idea of seeking God's pleasure and love for its own sake rather than being driven by external motivations.

The print is available in multiple sizes, starting from 8x10"+.

Each print is signed and shipped directly from the artist. A description card is also included, which outlines the Farsi and English translations, alongside a preview of the piece.

The Black & Gold Metal Frame packages include a Single White mat that beautifully compliments the piece.