Gibran, Kahlil, jih BRAHN, kah LEEL (1883-1931), was a Lebanese writer. His first name is sometimes spelled Khalil. Gibran's writings teach a philosophy of universal peace and religious tolerance based on a spirit of love that transcends cultural differences. He wrote in Arabic until 1918, when he began writing in English. The publication of The Prophet (1923) established his fame in English-speaking countries. It is a mystical poem that explores the importance of love. In addition to poetry, Gibran wrote fiction and nonfiction. Many of his works are collected in Treasury of Writings of Kahlil Gibran (1989).