Revitalising Selfhood

Allama Iqbal’s Concept of Khudi as a Blueprint for Contemporary Youth

Abstract

This research examines Allama Muhammad Iqbal’s profound philosophical concept of Khudi (Selfhood), as articulated across his poetic and philosophical oeuvre, to establish its direct and immediate relevance for addressing the complex psycho-social and existential challenges confronting global youth. The primary objective is to transcend a purely theoretical exegesis of Khudi and present it as a practical blueprint for self-discovery, character refinement, and assuming a dynamic leadership role in societal development in the 21st century. The core analysis reveals that Iqbal’s Khudi is a highly dynamic and essentialist construct, necessitating a continuous process of self-affirmation, rigorous self-purification, and purposeful self-expression. For the modern student, often assailed by the pressures of materialism and cultural dissonance, Khudi provides a profound moral and spiritual compass. Specifically, the concept addresses modern dilemmas by Countering Nihilism through asserting the ego's resilient and immortal potential; Fostering Ethical Leadership via the emphasis on Fakr (spiritual detachment); and Promoting Proactive Engagement by repeatedly invoking the youth to determined action (Amal-i-Paiham). In conclusion, the paper argues that the adoption and internalisation of Khudi’s principles are critically essential for empowering the modern generation to transition from passive recipients of external forces into active agents of intellectual and social revival.