The Prophet

I go with the wind, people of Orphalese, but not down into emptiness; And if this day is not a fulfilment of your needs and my love, then let it be a promise till another day.”

The beloved prophet Almustafa (meaning “The Chosen One”) has lived within the city walls of Orphalese for twelve years. He has walked among the people and formed a deep connection to the place, but he knows this is not where he ultimately belongs. On the seventh day of Ielool (“the month of reaping”), Almustafa climbs a hill beyond the boundaries of the city wall and gazes out across the misty sea. He is filled with joy as he catches sight of the ship that has come to free him from exile. As he bids farewell to the people of Orphalese, Almustafa speaks with them on the topics closest to their hearts. His series of sermons form the 28 prose poems of this book.

The Prophet is a work of fiction, written by Lebanese-American artist, poet, and philosopher Kahlil Gibran. Gibran was a key figure in Arabic literary modernist movement, which spanned the first half of the twentieth century. As a product of his culturally-rich upbringing, Gibran’s work beautifully blends religious traditions and philosophies from around the world.