Urs of Rabia al-Adawiyya
Honoring the great female mystic of Islam, an early teacher of pure divine love.
There is no widely established date for the urs of Rabia al-Adawiyya. Even her death year is uncertain (752 and 801 CE are both reported), and Sufi communities that honor her set their own commemorations.
When Is Urs of Rabia al-Adawiyya?
There is no widely established date for the urs of Rabia al-Adawiyya. Even her death year is uncertain (752 and 801 CE are both reported), and Sufi communities that honor her set their own commemorations.
Because the Gregorian date changes from year to year, check a calendar published by the tradition or your local community for this year's date.
Why It Matters
Rabia al-Adawiyya (born c. 714-718, died 801 CE by the most common account) of Basra, Iraq, was one of the greatest Sufi saints and is often credited as the first to teach love of God for God's own sake. According to accounts preserved by Farid al-Din Attar, she wished to burn paradise and quench hellfire so people would love God purely for God's sake.
How It Is Observed
Gathering at shrines associated with her, such as the tomb on the Mount of Olives in Jerusalem traditionally venerated as hers, recitation of her prayers and poetry, Sufi music and dhikr, reflection on the meaning of love without conditions.
Sacred Text
“O my Lord! If I worship Thee on account of the fear of Hell, burn me in Hell, and if I worship Thee with the hope of Paradise, exclude me from it, but if I worship Thee for Thine own sake, then withhold not from me Thine Eternal Beauty.”
, Prayer of Rabia al-Adawiyya ↗