In today’s world, the word “self” has been stretched and reshaped to mean many things. From social media culture to consumerism, society often celebrates self-obsession, a constant showcasing of one’s life, looks, and possessions. Yet, decades ago, Dr. Allama Muhammad Iqbal had already warned humanity about this dangerous path. For him, the true Khudi (selfhood) was never about vanity, arrogance, or selfish indulgence. Instead, it was the key to human dignity, creativity, and spiritual greatness.
Iqbal’s concept of Khudi is not mere individualism. It is the awakening of inner strength through self-awareness, self-respect, and self-discipline. A person with Khudi does not live aimlessly; they rise with purpose, grounded in faith, and strive for excellence. For Iqbal, Khudi meant realizing one’s divine spark and becoming a co-creator in shaping destiny.
Modern culture often confuses selfhood with self-obsession. Where Khudi demands humility, courage, and responsibility, self-obsession thrives on vanity, comparison, and shallow validation. The “selfie culture” may seem harmless, but it can trap individuals in an endless cycle of chasing approval rather than building inner strength.
Iqbal cautioned against this fragile ego that swells with pride but collapses under adversity. A self-obsessed person seeks applause; a person of Khudi seeks truth.
Iqbal envisioned Khudi as a constructive force, a person who strengthens themselves not to dominate others, but to serve humanity. A true individual with Khudi contributes positively to society, rises against injustice, and lives for ideals greater than personal gain. Self-obsession, on the other hand, isolates the individual. It breeds envy, arrogance, and emptiness. It is like a flame that burns brightly for a moment but consumes itself in the end.
Iqbal’s philosophy carries a timeless warning: If society continues to glorify the hollow ego instead of nurturing Khudi, it risks producing generations disconnected from purpose and truth. The challenge of the 21st century is not merely technological or political; it is spiritual. Humanity must choose between shallow self-obsession and the deeper, transformative path of Khudi.
To embrace Khudi, one must:
Allama Iqbal’s vision of Khudi was not just poetry; it was a roadmap for human survival in an age of distraction and emptiness. Today, when the modern ego screams louder than ever, his call is clear: Awaken the real self, rise beyond vanity, and live with purpose.
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