Latest news with #KhalilGibran
Observer
4 days ago
- Politics
- Observer
It's enough to keep you awake at night
What worries you? What concerns you? It's probably nothing that would appear on an academic list of global concerns, but will almost certainly be something that is personal and experiential, to you, rather than a 'global concern'. That being the truth, why do politicians and the media keep churning out a diversity of issues that they say are our responsibility to remedy, while at the same time they exclude us from genuine inclusion as to the how and why. The reality, I believe, is that they want us concerned about so many issues because it keeps us off balance and subservient. Tell us it's all our fault and make us feel guilty often enough and even the strongest among us will begin to have doubts about the validity of our own opinions. Politicians, I'm sorry to say, are not the best of us, but the worst, having an innate ability to accept responsibility but not blame, to take credit without effort and to hear their constituents while not listening. Khalil Gibran put it very succinctly when he asked: 'Are you a politician asking what your country can do for you or a zealous one asking what you can do for your country?' Answering, 'If you are the first, then you are a parasite; if the second, then you are an oasis in the desert', saying what most of us think of our current crop. Oman is itself an 'oasis', incredibly fortunate to have had the quality of leadership it has enjoyed for more than half a century, with strong and empathetic leadership, clearly requiring increased accountability, awareness and response-ability from the civil service. The key factor in the Omani leadership model is that they are not opportunists, but educated, trained and guided through their faith and their hierarchy, towards a life of service. Born to rule and to serve. Currently, refugee rights and undocumented immigration are huge issues for America, Europe, but particularly in the UK; and from individual, community and societal perspectives, these are proving deeply divisive to much of the country feeling very much that the hand that feeds is being deeply bitten. While most can understand the need for people to escape poverty or conflict, the extent of the UK's support of illegal immigration to a society suffering under taxation increases, pension cuts and a health service in crisis, with no limits or accountability, is offending much of the electorate. For example, on August 10, 435 arriving 'boat people' were initially processed then distributed around hotels across the UK, receiving free meals and accommodation, healthcare and dental, initial clothing packages, new mobile phones and the first of an initial three months of 49 GBP (RO 25) in weekly cash payments. Halfway through this year, that's 1.25 million GBP (RO 630,000)... every week, for pocket money alone. Talk about an invitation... This situation exists for an initial three months under Section 95 of the Immigration and Asylum Act of Parliament (1999), ensuring that asylum seekers don't become destitute. Most are extended for longer periods until an asylum or residence application is approved, as the current backlog can be as long as three years and even denials are then subject to numerous appeals which a 'do-gooding' legal and humanitarian fraternity laps up, while they are feeding at the government legal aid trough. Cynicism is rife as to how many prove to be genuine refugees or asylum seekers, as the government refuses to release statistics. Pointedly, too many of these 'boat people' are destroying their passports before they land, so criminal records or security concerns held for them become meaningless. This is just another horrible manipulation of a trusting and charitable nation, now being seen as nothing but a 'soft touch' and the butt of weak politicians, civil servants and lawyers, all of whom are ironically, paid by the state. Contrast this with the legitimate migration to the UK, of an individual who may be academically qualified, skilled and contributing to their community and society from day one. They will be subjected to a process that is expensive, arduous and has strict financial, health and character requirements. It is the contrast that's enough to keep you awake at night.
Jordan Times
08-03-2025
- General
- Jordan Times
Remembering Gibran: Everlasting influence of Lebanese poet
AMMAN — The American Centre of Research (ACOR) recently hosted a lecture on the life and work of the early 20th century Lebanese poet, artist, and mystic Khalil Gibran, best known for his timeless book 'The Prophet.' 'Sometimes, something written a long ago becomes even more relevant in modern days,' noted the lecturer, Paul Chandler, drawing from his most recent book, 'In Search of a Prophet: A Spiritual Journey with Kahlil Gibran.' Born in 1883, in Bsharre, a picturesque town in the Lebanese mountains, Gibran's early years were marked by stark contrasts, natural beauty on one hand and political turmoil on the other. Lebanon, then under Ottoman rule, was rife with corruption and sectarian tensions, a reality that deeply influenced his later writings. His mother, recognising his artistic and spiritual inclinations from an early age, gifted him a book from Leonardo Da Vinci's artwork when he was just six years old. Reflecting on that moment, Gibran later wrote: 'That moment, as long as I live, was as if a ship lost in the fog had finally found a compass.' Gibran's grandfather, a Maronite priest, filled his childhood with biblical stories that captured his imagination. Meanwhile, his father, burned by gambling debts and drinking problems, was imprisoned, leading to the loss of his family's property. He spent only 12 years in the magical mountain of Lebanon, which created the foundation of spirituality and world view for the rest of his life. In search of a better future, Gibran's mother immigrated to the United States with her children just before he entered his teenage years. Though they settled in Boston, Gibran's mother ensured he remained connected to his roots, sending him back to Beirut for his high school years. His return to America was marked by hardship, he lost two sibling to tuberculosis, his mother to cancer, and much of his early artwork to a devastating fire. These tragedies deepened his introspection and strengthened his resolve as a writer. Gibran's early works, published in Arabic magazines and books, were bold and outspoken. He challenged ideologies, criticised the Ottoman regime, and condemned sectarian strife, often fuelled by religious authorities. As hid ideas evolved, he became a passionate advocate for women's rights, a rare stance at a time when women in the US were still fighting for the right to vote. Between 1903 and 1913, Gibran struggled to find balance between the artistic and intellectual worlds of the East and West. His novella 'Spirits Rebellious' questioned societal norms and his admiration for women, evident in both his writings and paintings, set him apart as a visionary. His most celebrated work, 'The Prophet,' published in 1923, catapulted him to international fame. The book, that he described as the challenge of his life, carries poetic meditations on love, freedom, and faith resonated with readers across cultures. On the subject of religion, he wrote: 'You are my brother and sister and I love you, I love you worshipping in your church, kneeling in your temple, and praying in your mosque. You and I are all children of one religion, but the fingers of the loving hands of the supreme being extended to all, offering completeness of spirit to all, and anxious to receive all.' Khalil often spoke about God, but his writings infused with a much deeper concern: living in harmony with one another, and with all of creation. As the lecture at ACOR highlighted, Khalil Gibran's words continue to inspire, reminding us that his message of love, justice, and spirituality unity is more relevant than ever.
