SPIRITUALITY IN MODERN LITERATURE: KAHLIL GIBRAN AND THE SPIRITUAL QUEST

Abstract

This study explores the various mystical aspects that encompass
Gibran’s creative works in English and Arabic. It presents an
overview of theistic mysticism followed by an examination of the
mystical themes represented by Gibran such as Truth, Perfect Divine
Being, mystic path, and spiritual morality with analogies from
Islamic and Christian mysticism. The study finds that Gibran adopted
mysticism as a universal answer to questions about the meaning of
life and as a path that seeks to elevate man into a world of spiritual
and moral perfection. Gibran uses a prophetic voice to guide the soul
from its transcendental origin through a journey of purification,
gnosis, and love to reach mystical unity with God. The study shows
that the mystical element is the link that unifies his Arabic and
English works, and propels them to enduring literary and popular
success across cultures. In this, he places himself as a writer in a
traditional context of mysticism, taking the esoteric heart and
spiritual core of all religions to be one. Additionally, the moral
values promoted by Gibran are based on his mystical outlook and his
conception of a just and loving God.