Muhammad Iqbal (1877–1938), one of the most prominent reformist thinkers and poets of the Muslim world in the twentieth century, sought to provide an answer to the identity crisis of Muslims in the colonial era through the articulation of the philosophy of Khudi (Selfhood). Iqbal’s philosophy of Khudi, inspired by the Qur’an and the Islamic tradition and influenced both by Islamic mysticism and Western philosophical experiences, aimed at the cultivation of the individual and the reconstruction of Muslim society. This philosophy is based on self-knowledge, self-respect, independence, and individual creativity, ultimately leading to the attainment of the rank of Khalifat Allah (vicegerency of God) and service to a higher truth. In his prose and poetry, Iqbal introduces Khudi as a generative and dynamic force that reaches perfection through love, will, spiritual poverty, patience, and zeal, while it is weakened by factors such as fear, servitude, racism, and dependence on others.
Motevali, A. , Hasanbeigi, M. and Etzadi, R. (2025). The Philosophy of Khudi in the Thought of Muhammad Iqbal: Epistemological Foundations and Social Functions. Classical and Contemporary Islamic Studies, (), -. doi: 10.22059/jcis.2025.402876.1446
MLA
Motevali, A. , , Hasanbeigi, M. , and Etzadi, R. . "The Philosophy of Khudi in the Thought of Muhammad Iqbal: Epistemological Foundations and Social Functions", Classical and Contemporary Islamic Studies, , , 2025, -. doi: 10.22059/jcis.2025.402876.1446
HARVARD
Motevali, A., Hasanbeigi, M., Etzadi, R. (2025). 'The Philosophy of Khudi in the Thought of Muhammad Iqbal: Epistemological Foundations and Social Functions', Classical and Contemporary Islamic Studies, (), pp. -. doi: 10.22059/jcis.2025.402876.1446
CHICAGO
A. Motevali , M. Hasanbeigi and R. Etzadi, "The Philosophy of Khudi in the Thought of Muhammad Iqbal: Epistemological Foundations and Social Functions," Classical and Contemporary Islamic Studies, (2025): -, doi: 10.22059/jcis.2025.402876.1446
VANCOUVER
Motevali, A., Hasanbeigi, M., Etzadi, R. The Philosophy of Khudi in the Thought of Muhammad Iqbal: Epistemological Foundations and Social Functions. Classical and Contemporary Islamic Studies, 2025; (): -. doi: 10.22059/jcis.2025.402876.1446
)