Mushtaq, Hira and Mughal, Muhammad Junaid and Chisti, Siddiq Ali (2025) Individuality vs individualism: balancing personal freedom and social responsibility. Al-Qirtas, 4 (4). pp. 57-66. ISSN 2709-6068 E-ISSN 2709-6076
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Abstract
In contemporary discourse on human behavior and society, the concepts of individuality and individualism have gained considerable attention. While individuality denotes the unique traits, talents, and perspectives that define a person, individualism a philosophy rooted in Western thought prioritizes personal freedom, autonomy, and self-interest, sometimes at the expense of collective welfare. Exploring these concepts is crucial for understanding the interplay between personal growth and social responsibility. This study employs a qualitative approach, analyzing Qur’anic verses, Prophetic ?ad?th, and scholarly interpretations to examine how Islamic thought harmonizes individuality with communal well-being. Key concepts such as nafs (self), Ummah (community), Tarbiyyah (personal development), and Ta?l?m (education) highlight a framework where personal development is ethically guided and socially responsible. Islamic teachings encourage self-discipline, moderation, respect for family, pursuit of knowledge for societal benefit, and prioritization of collective welfare. Findings reveal that, unlike Western individualism, which often emphasizes self-centered autonomy, Islam integrates individual growth with ethical accountability and social cohesion. The study concludes that the Islamic model provides a balanced pathway, enabling individuals to flourish personally while actively contributing to the moral, social, and spiritual advancement of society
| Item Type: | Article (Journal) |
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| Uncontrolled Keywords: | Individuality, Individualism, Islamic Thought, Nafs, Ummah, Social Responsibility, Personal Development, Ethics, Western Philosophy, Collective Welfare |
| Subjects: | B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > B Philosophy (General) B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BJ Ethics > BJ1725 Ethics of social groups, classes, etc. Professional ethics H Social Sciences > H Social Sciences (General) H Social Sciences > HN Social history and conditions. Social problems. Social reform |
| Kulliyyahs/Centres/Divisions/Institutes (Can select more than one option. Press CONTROL button): | Kulliyyah of Islamic Revealed Knowledge and Human Sciences > Department of Fundamental and Inter-Disciplinary Studies (Effective: 5th Feb 2014) |
| Depositing User: | Dr Muhammad Junaid Mughal |
| Date Deposited: | 23 Jan 2026 17:10 |
| Last Modified: | 23 Jan 2026 17:10 |
| Queue Number: | 2026-01-Q1785 |
| URI: | http://irep.iium.edu.my/id/eprint/126897 |
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