Serving the Guest: A Sufi Cookbook
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Hasan of Basra once visited Rabi'a near the time of the evening prayer, as she was preparing some meat for dinner. She took the pot from the fire and set it aside, saying, "Such conversation is far better than any cooking." Once their prayers were completed, she laid out before Hasan some dry bread and water, then reached for the pan. By the grace of God, it was bubbling fiercely; the meat was fully cooked, and was the best that either of them had ever tasted. Rabi'a said, "This is how those who pray to God are fed."

from Serving the Guest: A Sufi Cookbook
Copyright © 1999, 2000 by Kathleen Seidel
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