The present article explores and compares the perspectives of the Qur'an and liberal individualism regarding the primacy of the individual and society. Liberal individualism, as a fundamental pillar of Western modernity, is based on principles such as the primacy of the individual, independence from religious and traditional authorities, and the rule of a minimal state. Within this framework, the individual is viewed as the core of all social and political structures. In contrast, Islamic teachings—emphasizing human dependence on God, individual and social responsibilities, and the pursuit of spiritual perfection under divine guidance—offer a fundamentally different understanding of human identity. The central issue of this study is the analysis and comparison of the foundational principles of liberal individualism and Islamic teachings concerning the relationship between the individual and society. The research adopts a descriptive-analytical approach and draws upon Qur'anic verses and the interpretations of Muslim thinkers, especially the late Martyr Motahhari. The findings indicate that Islam views the individual and society as interdependent, asserting the necessity of simultaneous reform in both. Unlike liberal individualism, which defines personal freedom as absolute and unconditional, Islam frames freedom within the boundaries of servitude to God and the welfare of society. Moreover, in Islamic thought, the religious state plays a vital role in guiding, supervising, and ensuring social justice—an approach that contradicts the concept of the minimal state in liberalism. The study concludes that Islamic thought, as a balanced worldview, offers a synthesis of the primacy of the individual and society—where neither is sacrificed for the other. This stance stands in contrast to liberal individualism, particularly in ethical, social, and religious public spheres. It also underscores the need to rediscover religious identity and to design a socio-political system based on the Qur'an.

Liberal Individualism, Islamic Teachings, Primacy of the Individual, Primacy of Society, Personal Freedom, Religious State, Holy Qur'an, Social Responsibility, Islamic Ethics, Modernity, Comparative Analysis.