SEARCHING THE SELF THROUGH IQBAL'S CONCEPT OF 'KHUDI' FOR VALUES UNDER TODAY'S ENVIRONMENT CHALLENGES AND DICHOTOMIES

Abstract

The concept of ‘Khudi’ derived by Dr. Iqbal is the action centric which is always searching for new dimensions of knowledge for life, values and dignity. It is three dimensional which can be staged or grasped in wholesome at any point in time. The three fundamentals include understanding self, organizing self and committing self. The concept of his ‘Khudi’ obliges the readers to comprehend hidden potentials of self which Allah has created in him with love and affection Without understanding ‘Khudi’, it is far difficult to comprehend in entirety the essence of values and dignity. Understanding the concept and adopting it are two approaches of overlapping dimensions. In a real sense, understanding remains incomplete without its application or rather it makes no logic to comprehend something without looking for its utility. Prevailing technology driven environments of self-centricity, deficient self-confidence and disregards to human dignity at individual, societal and state’s levels make it more relevant to comprehend ‘Khudi’ for human values and pride. The tendency of exclusion prevails over the affection of inclusion more than ever before. The essence of ‘Khudi’ is sharing, loving, excelling, helping, accompanying and valuing. The article is based on the research pursuits for deeper meanings of the Allama’s poetic values, pride and dignity for human beings in all his books. An effort has been made to quote references from the maximum of his books in different time periods so as to present a wholesome picture of his views about ‘Khudi’. Self awareness logically proceeds to the understanding of wider meanings of this universe. The paper culminates with focus on human dignity, values and notion of coexistence as an outcome of understanding self, organizing self and committing self