Researcher : Ahmad Fatih Syarofuzzaman
The rapid expansion of digital technology has profoundly transformed contemporary human life, generating new paradigms of reality while simultaneously intensifying existential challenges. Although digital connectivity and borderless communication offer unprecedented convenience, the disruptive nature of the digital era has contributed to an existential crisis marked by the erosion of self-awareness, individuality, and human agency. This study addresses this problem by examining Muhammad Iqbal’s concept of insan kamil (the Perfect Human) as a framework for responding to the existential crisis in the digital age. Using a descriptive-interpretative method, this research analyzes Iqbal’s philosophical writings on insan kamil by exploring their conceptual structure, underlying meanings, and contemporary relevance. The analysis demonstrates that Iqbal’s concept emphasizes the cultivation of individual selfhood (khudi) through continuous awareness and ethical responsibility. According to Iqbal, the realization of the Perfect Human involves three interconnected stages: obedience to divine law, self-mastery, and the realization of humanity’s role as God’s vicegerent (khalifah). The study argues that these stages provide a viable conceptual model for addressing the existential crisis of the digital era by restoring human autonomy, reaffirming the meaning of life, and enabling individuals to reclaim control over their existential domain. This research contributes to contemporary Islamic philosophy by highlighting the enduring relevance of Iqbal’s thought in responding to modern technological challenges.