EXISTENTIAL CRISES AND SPIRITUAL REDEMPTION IN SALAR SIKANDER’S JOURNEY: A SOCIO-PHILOSOPHICAL ANALYSIS OF PEER-E-KAMIL

Abstract

This study explores the complex existential and psychological dimensions of Salar Sikander’s character in Peer-e-Kamil, analyzed through the existential philosophies of Søren Kierkegaard, Jean-Paul Sartre, and Albert Camus. The research investigates whether Salar’s actions, including his suicidal tendencies and existential crises, reflect a deeper quest for meaning or are indicative of profound psychological conflict. 

Employing qualitative textual analysis, the study examines key dialogues, reflections,and actions, linking them to broader philosophical and psychological frameworks. The findings reveal that Salar’s reckless behaviors and self-inflicted harm symbolize a confrontation with mortality, aligning with Émile Durkheim’s concept of egoistic suicide and Camus’ notion of the absurd. His journey is further complicated by sadistic and masochistic tendencies, reflecting his internal struggle for control and understanding of suffering. A pivotal transformation in Salar’s narrative is his spiritual awakening, which resolves his existential despair and highlights the role of spirituality in constructing meaning.

This transformation aligns with Viktor Frankl’s logotherapy, emphasizing how spirituality provides a structured framework for meaning-making beyond intellectual and material pursuits. The study concludes that Salar’s transition from nihilism to a spiritually grounded existence underscores the transformative power of faith and relationships in addressing existential crises. By synthesizing existential philosophy, sociology, and psychological insights, this research offers a nuanced understanding of Salar’s complex character and the broader implications of existential dilemmas in Peer-e-Kamil.