Abstract

Over the past three centuries, no other thinker or philosopher among Muslims has presented such a comprehensive and pragmatic framework for human welfare and reformation as Dr. Allama Muhammad Iqbal. Rooted in an unshakable commitment to the revival of human dignity, Iqbal’s philosophy offers a profound and actionable system for personal transformation and the spiritual ascension of individuals in the modern era. This research explores three pivotal dimensions of Iqbal’s thought: first, the formative influences—his personal life, education, and intellectual milieu—that shaped his revolutionary ideas; second, the authoritative sources from which Iqbal derived his philosophy, underscoring the authenticity and universality of his vision; and third, the applicability of his concept of Khudi (Selfhood) in contemporary society, analyzing whether his principles of self-realization and human perfection remain feasible and actionable today. Despite unparalleled advancements in science and technology, modern humanity suffers from a moral and spiritual crisis, largely driven by materialism, moral decay, and the decline of ethical education. Iqbal stands as the only intellectual in the Muslim world who not only diagnosed this crisis but also provided a transformative methodology for its resolution. His concept of Khudi serves as a rigorous framework for personal and spiritual development, leading individuals from self-awareness to self-mastery, culminating in the attainment of Mard-e-Kamil (the Perfect Man)—the true vicegerent of God. Through a thorough literary analysis of primary and secondary sources, this study reaffirms that Iqbal’s ideas remain as relevant and imperative today as they were in his time, offering a blueprint for both individual empowerment and the collective resurgence of the Muslim Ummah.