Individualism is a modern doctrine that emerged in social and political theory in the nineteenth century, centering on the moral value and autonomy of the individual. This entry seeks to methodically examine the historical evolution of individualism, its philosophical underpinnings, its embodiment in economic and social theory, and a critical evaluation of it within the framework of Islamic economics. The concept of individualism, which originated in ancient Greece, underwent a significant transformation in its modern sense during the Enlightenment era, particularly among thinkers and social contract theorists of the seventeenth century. In particular, Locke’s doctrine of natural rights and Smith’s views on market freedom laid the groundwork for the integration of individualism with economic liberalism. In the realm of economic theory, individualism manifests as methodological individualism, as exemplified by the neoclassical economic model of homo economicus. This model posits that the individual is a rational actor who pursues the maximization of their interests, independent of the social context. Conversely, heterodox economic approaches—namely, institutional economics and behavioral economics—assert that individuals are influenced by social norms, institutional structures, and cultural factors. Islamic economics, in contrast, places significant emphasis on the moral responsibilities and social ties of individuals. It does so by means of the concept of homo Islamicus, which it has developed as an alternative to the concept of homo economicus. Nevertheless, this approach has been the subject of critique, as it has been argued that it fails to overcome the limitations of methodological individualism. Islamic economics endeavors to reestablish equilibrium between the individual and society through the concept of “ferd.” Ferd is a subject based on Islamic ontology, acting with divine justice and piety, and bearing social responsibility. In conclusion, individualism has played a critical role in shaping modern society. However, it has encountered significant tensions and criticism at both the theoretical and practical levels.