The Sufi Imprints on English Literature: Gibran Khalil Gibran’s 'The Prophet' as a Case Study

Abstract

This thesis explores the multifaceted interplay between Sufi mysticism and English literature, focusing specifically on Kahlil Gibran's seminal work, "The Prophet," as a compelling case study. The research comprises a twofold structure: a historical survey of Sufi influences across various epochs in English literature, and a detailed textual analysis of "The Prophet." The first chapter maps the Sufi philosophical paradigms echoing through canonical English works, highlighting key points of cultural and spiritual resonance. From Medieval and Renaissance works to Modernist texts, the inquiry underscores the subtleties of Sufi imprints. The second chapter delves into "The Prophet" to dissect its thematic, symbolic, and poetic alignments with traditional Sufi literature. Through meticulous comparative analysis, the study concludes that Sufi philosophy has found its way into the global literary narrative, transcending the often rigid boundaries of 'Eastern' and 'Western' categorizations. This thesis not only affirms the ubiquitous reach of Sufism in global literature but also calls for further scholarship in this rich yet underexplored domain.