In 1923, Kahlil Gibran authored ‘The Prophet,’ a remarkable work that has been largely neglected by the Western literary community. It is time to give this masterpiece the recognition it deserves.
My Interpretation of the Hand with the Eye
Upon
reading ‘The Prophet’ in full, I interpreted the image of a hand with an eye in
the center as a representation of God, symbolizing omniscience and
omnipresence, embodying strength and stability amidst everything around it.
Discovering ‘The Prophet’
When I
first encountered ‘The Prophet,’ I was unsure what to expect. The small,
portable book, with a turquoise cover and gold lettering, featured a
minimalistic design with ocean waves encircling a hand and an eye. Its title
suggested a religious theme. Borrowing it from the library without reading the
synopsis, I was unaware that it would profoundly transform my worldview.
Elvis Presley’s Edition
Elvis
Presley owned a hardcover edition of ‘The Prophet,’ which has since been
published in a smaller, portable paperback format, staying true to its
universal lessons.
Learning About Kahlil Gibran
Before
delving into the book, I wanted to know more about its author, Kahlil Gibran.
Born in northern Lebanon in 1883, Gibran Kahlil Gibran (later known as Kahlil
Gibran) grew up in poverty with his family. Lebanon, rich in history and
culture, has a diverse population, including Armenians, Christian Maronites,
Jews, Catholics, and Muslims. However, sectarian conflicts, particularly
between the Druze and Christian Maronites, influenced Gibran's works, including
his themes of social justice and spirituality.
Gibran,
raised as a Christian Maronite, was also influenced by Islam and Sufism. He
believed in the unity of all religions, a theme reflected in his writings.
Influenced by his travels and experiences, Gibran found a deep connection to
the world and its meaning, drawing inspiration from philosophers like Friedrich
Nietzsche. Despite Nietzsche's declaration of "God is dead," Gibran
embraced spirituality, expressing it through his writing and art.
By the
time of his death in 1931, Gibran had authored nearly forty works in both
Arabic and English and created over 700 artistic pieces.
An Introduction to ‘The Prophet’
Published
in 1923, ‘The Prophet’ is a collection of twenty-six essays narrated by
Al-Mustafa, a prophet in the city of Orphalese. Awaiting his return to his
birthplace for twelve years, Al-Mustafa's premonition of a ship finally comes
true, leading to a bittersweet farewell. Before he leaves, Almitra, a seeress,
asks him to share his wisdom, resulting in a profound journey of philosophical
insights and advice.
The Lessons Within ‘The Prophet’
Each
essay offers a lesson, with titles like ‘On Crime and Punishment’ and ‘On
Religion.’ The first essay on love and the last on death highlight their
interconnectedness. Al-Mustafa asserts that love should be experienced fully
and freely, and that in marriage, one should maintain individuality.
Parenthood, according to Al-Mustafa, should allow children to develop their own
thoughts.
Al-Mustafa
also discusses joy and sorrow, suggesting they stem from the same source. He
touches on the paradox of freedom and the unalterable nature of time, urging
readers to live in the present and appreciate life’s vastness.
The Impact of ‘The Prophet’
‘The
Prophet’ has remained in print and its passages are often quoted at significant
life events. Gibran’s work provides solace in a world plagued by conflict and
materialism, encouraging readers to live simply and find joy beyond material
possessions, realizing that "life and death are one, even as the river and
the sea are one."
By
reflecting on the human condition, Gibran’s words guide us to understand the
beauty of life and the intertwined nature of joy and sorrow, helping us
appreciate the moment and express gratitude for our existence.
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