The relationship between Iqbal’s concept of khudi (selfhood) and the practice of self-purification (tazkiyah) in spiritual traditions is a profound and symbiotic one. Both address the journey of personal transformation, yet they approach it from complementary perspectives: khudi emphasizes self-realization and empowerment, while tazkiyah focuses on inner purification and spiritual alignment.
1. Understanding Khudi (Selfhood)
In Iqbal’s philosophy, khudi refers to an elevated state of self-awareness and individuality that leads to spiritual and moral excellence. It is not egotism but rather the realization of one’s divine potential. The stages of khudi involve:
- Self-Discovery: Recognizing one’s inner potential and divine purpose.
- Self-Mastery: Gaining control over one’s desires and impulses.
- Self-Transcendence: Merging individual will with Divine will, reaching a state of closeness to God.
Iqbal’s famous lines from Asrar-e-Khudi illustrate this:
خودی کو کر بلند اتنا کہ ہر تقدیر سے پہلے
خدا بندے سے خود پوچھے، بتا تیری رضا کیا ہے
This reflects the ultimate goal of khudi: aligning oneself with the divine plan through self-actualization.
2. Understanding Tazkiyah (Self-Purification)
Tazkiyah is the Islamic concept of cleansing the heart and soul from spiritual impurities such as greed, pride, and jealousy, and replacing them with virtues like humility, sincerity, and love for God. The Qur’an emphasizes tazkiyah as essential for success:
قَدْ أَفْلَحَ مَن زَكَّاهَا
(“He has succeeded who purifies it [the soul].”) — Surah Ash-Shams (91:9)
Key aspects of tazkiyah include:
- Tawheed (Oneness of God): Strengthening belief in Allah.
- Mujahada (Struggle): Resisting the ego (nafs) and its base desires.
- Dhikr (Remembrance): Maintaining constant awareness of God.
3. The Relationship Between Khudi and Tazkiyah
The practice of tazkiyah (self-purification) provides the foundation for the development of khudi (selfhood). Without purification of the self, the journey of self-realization would remain incomplete. Here’s how they interrelate:
a. Cleansing the Nafs (Lower Self)
- Tazkiyah involves purging the lower self (nafs al-ammara) of impurities like selfishness and arrogance.
- This purification is essential for khudi to emerge, as a polluted self cannot attain the higher stages of selfhood.
b. Building Moral and Spiritual Strength
- Through tazkiyah, one cultivates virtues such as humility, patience, and sincerity.
- These virtues enable the individual to strengthen their khudi, making it resilient and aligned with divine principles.
c. Striving for Divine Connection
- Iqbal’s khudi ultimately seeks unity with the Divine will, which is only possible through tazkiyah.
- The process of tazkiyah transforms the ego from being self-centered to God-centered (nafs al-mutma’innah or the “tranquil self”).
4. Practical Connection Between Khudi and Tazkiyah
Iqbal’s Vision:
Iqbal envisioned khudi as a dynamic, action-oriented self, not limited to introspection but expressed through deeds that benefit humanity. For this, purification of intentions and actions through tazkiyah is vital.
Stages of Integration:
- Awareness (Marifah): Recognizing one’s flaws and seeking spiritual growth (tazkiyah).
- Empowerment (Khudi): Building self-esteem and aligning one’s will with God.
- Transformation (Fana and Baqa): Losing oneself in divine love and emerging as a stronger, purified individual capable of fulfilling their purpose.
5. Philosophical and Practical Implications
Philosophical Insights:
- Khudi without tazkiyah can lead to arrogance and self-centeredness.
- Tazkiyah without khudi may result in passivity or lack of engagement with the world.
Iqbal’s vision harmonizes these two: khudi motivates individuals to actively shape their destiny, while tazkiyah ensures that this pursuit remains ethical and spiritually aligned.
Practical Steps:
- Reflection (Muhasaba): Assess your actions daily for alignment with divine principles.
- Discipline (Mujahada): Train the self through prayer, fasting, and mindfulness.
- Purpose (Niyyah): Keep intentions pure to achieve both khudi and tazkiyah.
