Iqbal’s Concept of Khudi and the Youth of the Contemporary Era

Abstract

Great poets and philosophers are among the most precious assets of any nation. They are visionary minds who possess the power to alter the course of history and to guide nations toward their destined path. Throughout human history, it has been the consciousness, sensitivity and foresight of such individuals that have ignited intellectual awakenings and revolutionary movements. Among these rare figures stands Allama Muhammad Iqbal, whose thought and poetry transformed the lives of Muslims in the Indian subcontinent during the twentieth century. Through his philosophy and poetic expression, Iqbal awakened a nation that had grown complacent in ignorance and inertia, reminding them of their dignity, purpose and potential. At the heart of Iqbal’s philosophy lies the concept of Khudi, which he described as the realisation of the self through moral strength, spiritual elevation, and creative action. This study investigates Iqbal’s vision of Khudi and its relevance for the youth of the modern age. The primary objective is to explore how Khudi can serve as a guiding principle for contemporary generations facing identity crises, cultural decline, and the challenges of globalisation. Methodologically, the research draws upon a textual analysis of Iqbal’s poetry and prose, supplemented by philosophical and sociological interpretations. The findings reveal that Iqbal’s philosophy of Khudi is not merely a poetic idea but a transformative framework for individual and collective empowerment. It calls upon youth to cultivate self-awareness, moral courage and independence, thereby enabling them to rise above mediocrity and contribute to the rebuilding of society. In an age of material advancement yet spiritual emptiness, Iqbal’s message remains a timeless call to balance modern progress with eternal value.