71. Rabia's House


Rabia lived as a slave, dwelling in the ruins.
Her master, impressed by her devotions, decided to give her a house.
"You cannot live in those ruins," he said. "Come live in this house instead!"
Rabia moved into the house, but the fine furnishings burdened her heart, and locking the door with a key made her feel constricted in spirit.
So Rabia went to her master and gave the keys back. "When I had no house, nothing stood between me and God," she said. "I will go back to the ruins now; that is where I will find my beloved."



Inspired by: Sufi Women by Javad Nurbakshsh
Notes: This story is on p. 64 of the book. You can find out more about Rabia of Basra at Wikipedia.



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