Abu Khalil Qabbani (Arabic: أبو خليل القباني / ALA-LC: Abū Khalīl al-Qabbānī; 1835–1902) was a Syrian playwright and composer. He is considered the founder of the short musical play (the operetta)[1] in Arabic theatre. His play Abu al-Hassan al-Mughaffal caused a wave of protest as a result of his mockery of Caliph Harun al-Rashid, and ended with a decree by the Ottoman government to close his theatre and prevent theatrical performances in Syria[1]. Qabbani left for Egypt and produced his plays there until 1900. He returned to Syria and died two years later in 1902[1]. He is considered the "father of Syrian theatre", and has influenced later generations including the famous Duraid Lahham[1]. His brother is the grandfather of Nizar Qabbani.