Allspirit Poetry

Selections from the spiritual poetry of Rabi'a

Love

I have loved Thee with two loves - 
a selfish love and a love that is worthy of Thee.
As for the love which is selfish, 
Therein I occupy myself  with Thee,
 to the exclusion of all others.
But in the love which is worthy of Thee, 
Thou dost raise the veil that I may see Thee.
Yet is the praise not mine in this or that,
But the praise is to Thee in both that and this.

Translator unknown 

Index of Rabia Poems