Philosophy of Rabi'a al-Adawiyya on Beauty and Phenomenological Love

Rabi'a al-Adawiyya's philosophy centers on beauty and phenomenological love, emphasizing a direct, transformative connection with God. Her poetry and teachings distinguish between passionate, personal, and reverential love, highlighting the beauty found in the divine relationship that brings inner peace and fulfillment. Rabi'a's intense longing and devotion prioritize God's pleasure above all, asserting that true contentment transcends the material world. The analysis concludes that prioritizing the divine relationship over worldly concerns is transformative.

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Abstract

This study explores Rabi'a al-Adawiyya's philosophy on beauty and phenomenological love. Using a descriptive-analytic method, the research delves into Rabi'a's poetry and teachings to uncover her views on these profound themes. Rabi'a, a prominent figure in Islamic mysticism, is renowned for her intense longing for a direct connection with God, emphasising the beauty of the divine relationship and the transformative power of love. The study identifies key elements of Rabi'a's philosophy, including the duality of love, the beauty in divine connection, and the transformative power of divine love. It highlights how Rabi'a distinguishes between passionate, personal, and reverential love that acknowledges God's supreme worthiness. Her poetry often reflects the beauty found in the spiritual relationship with God, which brings inner peace and fulfilment. The research also examines Rabi'a's intense longing and devotion to God, expressing a desire for God's pleasure above all else. This devotion underscores her belief that true contentment and peace are found in divine love, transcending the material world. The study concludes by emphasising the importance of prioritising the divine relationship over worldly concerns and the transformative power of true divine love. Recommendations for further studies include conducting comparative analyses with other Sufi mystics and phenomenological philosophers, exploring the historical and cultural context of Rabi'a's teachings, and examining the contemporary relevance of her philosophy in modern Sufi thought and Islamic mysticism.