Rabia (Mahabba)
What is meant by "mahabba" in Rabia’s teachings?
Divine Love (Pure, selfless love for Allah.)
What is asceticism (zuhd) in Islam?
Detachment from worldly possessions to focus on Allah.
What does khalifa mean in Islam?
BONUS: What does mizan refer to?
(Khalifa) Steward or caretaker of Allah’s creation.
(Mizan) Balance and harmony in creation.
What is tawhid?
BONUS: What is akhira?
(Tawhid) The oneness of Allah.
(Akhira) Life after death.
What is the overall purpose of Islamic funeral rites?
To honour the deceased and prepare them for the afterlife.
According to Rabia, why should Muslims worship Allah?
To love Allah for His own sake, not out of fear of Hell or desire for Paradise.
How did Rabia practise asceticism?
By living simply, rejecting wealth, and devoting herself to prayer.
How does khalifa shape Muslim responsibility toward the environment?
BONUS: How does mizan influence Islamic environmental ethics?
Humans are responsible for protecting and managing the Earth as its caretaker and steward, having a share in responsibility over creation
BONUS:It requires humans to maintain balance and avoid excess.
Why must creation be respected according to tawhid?
Because all creation belongs to Allah.
Why must burial occur quickly in Islam (within 24hrs ideally)?
To show respect and acknowledge the soul’s return to Allah.
How did Rabia’s concept of Divine Love deepen Islamic spirituality?
It shifted worship from external obedience to inner devotion and sincerity.
Why did Rabia reject marriage and material comfort?
To remain fully focused on her relationship with Allah.
How do khalifa and mizan work together?
Humans care for creation (khalifa) while preserving its balance (mizan).
How does belief in akhira encourage environmental responsibility?
Muslims believe they will be judged for their actions toward the Earth.
Range of responses...
(Ghusl) The ritual washing of the body.
(Kefan) Wrapping the deceased in a simple white burial shroud.
(Salat al Janazah) A communal prayer for the deceased.
(Al Dafin) Burial of the body.
How does Rabia’s teaching reflect belief in tawhid?
By directing all love, focus, and devotion exclusively to Allah.
How did Rabia’s ascetic life reflect Islamic values?
It demonstrated humility, reliance on Allah, and devotion.
How does Khalifa or Mizan target a specific environmental issue?
Could be a range of responses...
Why is environmental exploitation a spiritual issue in Islam? Link to Tawhid or Akhria.
It violates submission to Allah and divine unity.
Could be a range of responses...
Why are cremation forbidden?
The body is a trust from Allah and must be returned respectfully. This belief also ties to the belief of the final resurrection.
Evaluate the impact of Rabia’s understanding of Divine Love on later Islamic spirituality.
It shaped Sufi theology by encouraging personal, emotional intimacy with Allah and influencing Muslim spiritual practice across generations.
To what extent does Rabia’s asceticism remain relevant for Muslims today?
While not widely practised literally, it inspires moderation, sincerity, and detachment from materialism.
Give an example of ONE Islamic organisation or contemporary movement that supports the work of Khalifa or Mizan.
Could be a range of answers...
Give an example of ONE Islamic organisation or contemporary movement that supports the work of Tawhid or Akhira.
Could be a range of responses...
Evaluate the role of Islamic funeral services in reinforcing core beliefs.
They affirm the Six Articles of Faith (principal beliefs), humility, community responsibility, and submission to Allah.