# II: Subtranscendental explained — The Book of Khalid

> Chapter companion for The Book of Khalid by Ameen Rihani.

## What happens

Khalid, while in prison, experiences a spiritual and psychological crisis, rejecting the help and money of his friend Shakib. Upon release, despite poor health, he refuses to return to Syria and instead starts a pushcart business in New York. He moves from the Syrian Quarter to the Jewish Quarter and finally to the Bronx, where he finds a more peaceful existence. Throughout, he burns his books and medicine, choosing a life of open-air labor and self-reliance over dependence on others.

## Themes in this chapter

### Alienation and Identity

Khalid's rejection of his compatriots' sympathy and his move from the Syrian Quarter to the Bronx illustrate his alienation from his own community and his search for a new identity.

### Suffering and Transcendence

Khalid's prison visions and his physical illness are portrayed as a form of spiritual suffering that leads to a 'revolution' of the spirit and a determination to live on his own terms.

### Individual vs. Institution

Khalid's conflict with the police, who force him to 'move on' due to his reputation, and his rejection of the doctor's advice and medicine, highlight his struggle against institutional authority.

## Character check-ins

### Khalid

Experiences a spiritual crisis in prison, rejecting Shakib's help. He starts a pushcart business, moves to the Bronx, and burns his books and medicine, choosing self-reliance.

### Shakib

Visits Khalid in prison, is rejected by him, and later lends him money for the pushcart business. He also takes Khalid to a physician and buys his medicine.

## Key lines

> Deficiencies in individuals, as in States, have their value and import.

Flaws in people and nations are meaningful and important.

_The narrator opens the chapter with a philosophical reflection on the value of imperfection._

> What a difference, I thought, between Khalid of yesterday and Khalid of today. What a transformation!

I was struck by how much Khalid had changed from one day to the next.

_Shakib observes a profound change in Khalid's behavior and demeanor._

> And I shall stand before my Maker in a shroud, at least, which I can call my own.

I will at least have paid for my own burial.

_Khalid expresses his determination to be self-sufficient, even in death._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_book_of_khalid_se/chapters/ii-subtranscendental
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_book_of_khalid_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_book_of_khalid_se/chapters