The Prophet

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“The Prophet” by Khalil Gibran captures the essence of human life. In his poetry, the emotions he describes and conveys, deeply resonate with me, specifically the chapter titled “On Love”. This chapter delves into the nature of love; with its highs and lows, it emphasises that love encompasses both joy and sorrow, but instead of only appreciating happiness, he explains that beauty lies in heartache too. How else would we grow? Gibran articulates that love is not merely a source of happiness but also an experience that includes suffering, longing, hurt, and consequently, growth. This duality is what makes love beautiful; it shapes us and enriches our lives in ways we may not always appreciate in the moment. Essentially, we learn to understand that pain shapes us and allows us to grow. With time passing, we begin to see love as an entirety. It’s better to love, with all its joy and sorrow, than to never have loved. And similarly, it’s better to live, than to never have lived. In “The Prophet” we learn to appreciate things as an entirety. “For even as love crowns you so shall he crucify you”, a powerful reminder that pain and joy are both integral parts of life. 

Reading  “The Prophet” is a journey where we value the journey itself, not just the destination. The richness of life is found in these deep connections and experiences, even when they come with heartache. Gibran’s words and symbols throughout his poetry remind me to embrace love and life fully, including the struggles that may accompany them. Today, most people back away when it comes to vulnerability, and I might just be a romantic, but I find solace in the idea that true love is worth the risks it carries. In Islam, a Hadith says, narrated by Abdullah ibn Amr ibn al-As; The Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said:  "Allah wrote the decrees of the creation 50,000 years before the creation of the heavens and the earth. His Throne was upon the water." Meaning that your significant other was written for you, and only you, 50 000 years ago.

Overall, Khalil Gibran’s insights could serve as a thoughtful reminder that love, in all its forms, is a beautiful and transformative force in our lives. I would consider sharing his book, and definitely this chapter on Love, during celebrations of love, like weddings or anniversaries, but especially during hardships, with hopes of showing that with patience, faith and time, after hurt, comes joy.




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