Ahsan Ansari
Islamic Mysticism and Sufism flourished in Islamic history due to the efforts of several great scholars and spiritual figures. Among them, Hasan al-Basri (642–728 CE) and Rabia al-Basri (717–801 CE) are two prominent personalities. Their teachings emphasized self-accountability, sincerity, and love for Allah. Hasan al-Basri was known for his wisdom and deep understanding of Islam, while Rabia al-Basri introduced the concept of divine love, which later became the foundation of Sufi philosophy.
Islamic Mysticism and Sufism emerged in the early history of Islam as a spiritual movement focused on the purification of the soul and the worship of Allah. This movement developed as a response to the growing materialism and corruption that accompanied the expansion of the Islamic empire. Early Sufis emphasized simplicity, humility, and detachment from worldly desires.
During the Umayyad Caliphate (661–750 CE), political conflicts and the accumulation of wealth led some scholars to criticize the rulers and call for a return to the simple and pure lifestyle of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and his companions. Hasan al-Basri was among these scholars who openly spoke against unjust rulers and emphasized moral responsibility. During the same era, Rabia al-Basri introduced the concept of unconditional love for Allah, which transformed the perception of worship.
Hasan al-Basri was born in 642 CE in Medina during the caliphate of Umar ibn al-Khattab (RA). His parents were of Persian origin, and he was raised in a religious environment. Later, he moved to Basra, Iraq, which was a major center of knowledge and scholarship at that time.
Hasan al-Basri acquired knowledge from several companions of the Prophet (ﷺ) and became proficient in Hadith, Tafsir (Qur’anic exegesis), and Fiqh (Islamic jurisprudence). He learned from notable companions such as Anas ibn Malik (RA) and Abdullah ibn Abbas (RA). A Tabi’i is a person who received knowledge from the Prophet’s companions but did not meet the Prophet (ﷺ) himself.
Hasan al-Basri believed that true faith required sincerity (ikhlas), piety (taqwa), and self-discipline. He frequently reminded people that worldly life is temporary and that they should focus on the Hereafter. According to him, true repentance is one that brings a complete transformation in a person’s character. He disliked materialism and the love of the world and encouraged a simple lifestyle. Fearlessly, he advised rulers, even at the risk of his own life.
Hasan al-Basri is considered one of the early Sufis. His teachings emphasized spiritual purity and sincere devotion to Allah, which later laid the foundation for many Sufi orders. In his view, outward acts of worship were not enough; true worship required purity of heart. He passed away in 728 CE, but his teachings continue to guide Sufis to this day.
Rabia al-Basri was born in 717 CE in Basra into a poor family. After the death of her parents, she was sold into slavery. Despite facing hardships, she remained devoted to the worship of Allah. Her piety and righteousness impressed her master, who eventually freed her. After gaining freedom, Rabia chose a life of solitude, dedicating herself entirely to seeking closeness to Allah. She refused marriage and spent her life in the love of Allah.
Rabia al-Basri introduced the concept of unconditional love (Ishq-e-Haqiqi) for Allah. She believed that worship should neither be out of fear of Hell nor out of the desire for Paradise, but purely for the love of Allah. One of her famous sayings is:
“O Allah! If I worship You for fear of Hell, burn me in Hell. If I worship You in hope of Paradise, deprive me of it. But if I worship You for Your sake alone, do not withhold from me Your eternal beauty.”
This love-based spirituality was a new concept that later became a fundamental pillar of the Sufi movement.
Rabia al-Basri’s teachings influenced many later Sufi poets and thinkers, including Rumi, Attar, and Hafiz Shirazi. She became a symbol of pure divine love, and her teachings made it clear that true worship is based on love rather than personal gain. She passed away in 801 CE, but her teachings continue to hold a central place in the world of Sufism.
Hasan al-Basri and Rabia al-Basri both played a vital role in strengthening the foundations of Islamic Mysticism and Sufism. Hasan al-Basri emphasized spiritual discipline and self-purification, while Rabia al-Basri promoted the philosophy of divine love. Their teachings remain a guiding light for Sufis and seekers of closeness to Allah.
Their lives teach us that true worship is not just about performing rituals but about inner sincerity, selflessness, and a deep connection with Allah.