A Look at the Meaning of Life in Rabia Adawiyah’s Thought Based on Frankl's Theory

One of the concepts occupied the minds of thinkers in different fields of humanities from the past to the present is the meaning of life and the purpose and ways to achieve it. Muslim mystics are among scholars who implicitly discuss the meaning of life and its components. However, examining their words and thoughts reflects the point that one of their main concerns is to explain the meaning and purpose of life and how to achieve it. Using Victor Frankl’s theory of Logotherapy, this study examines the meaning of life and its achievements from the perspective of Rabia Adawiyah, the most prominent female mystic in the history of Islam. This study seeks an answer to understanding the meaning of life and the underlying components of meaning in the thoughts and beliefs of this great mystic. Based on the findings of this study, Rabia has a special look at life, its meaning, and purpose, and seeks to achieve the ultimate meaning, which she considers to be the right will. To achieve this, she performs acts that are in perfect harmony with Frankl’s theory and the posed values. Tolerating the sufferings and hardships that happened to her since childhood, loving God, looking differently at the relationship between man and God, and presenting a new form of relationship between man and God are among these actions. Of course, there are also differences in what the ultimate goal is in these two views. Contrary to Rabia, who considers the ultimate goal of life to be close to God and connecting with God, Frankl recommends having a goal in life to live better in this world and get rid of anxiety and emptiness.