This sentence opens one of the most famous books in human history. Kahlil Gibran's "The Prophet" was published in 1923 and has sold more than 100 million copies.
Almustafa has lived in Orphalese long enough. He is a well-loved spiritual leader but he must sail back to his birthplace. However, his followers cannot let him go; they are too attached to him and hence, heartbroken.
The book turns into a series of questions from the crowd and answers from the prophet. Each chapter focuses on a particular topic: love, marriage, children, work, death, time, prayer, beauty, religion, laws, freedom, etc.
Almustafa offers friendly and compassionate answers. He invites those present to explore their own hearts and souls to find truth. Once all the questions are answered, he says his final farewell.
The beauty of "The Prophet" is multifold. The writing style transports the mind to a place that transcends time and human beings' limited understanding of anything spiritual. Considered as the epitomy of mysticism, the book provides pearls of wisdom on every page, as well as hope and comfort in times of sadness. "The Prophet" will change your conception of life and death.
Kahlil Gibran (1883-1931) was a Lebanon-born artist who spent most of his life in the United States. He is the third most widely read poet in history; his books have been translated into 40 languages. His entire body of work – short stories, poetry and drawings – focuses on the need for human beings to change internally: Freedom and happiness can only be discovered and enjoyed through one's own inner experiences. Gibran also spoke on the female condition and criticized man-made laws.
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