A Critical Review of the Theory of “Self-Reference of the Quran” in the Encyclopedia of Oliver Leaman, Emphasizing the Thoughts of His Eminence Ayatollah Khamenei

Self-referentiality or self-documentation in the Quran implies that the Quran itself refers to questions and provides answers and clarifications. In other words, certain ambiguous concepts or points in the Quran are clarified by reference to other verses or the context of the verses. Olivier Leaman, citing Stephen Wild, raises points in self-referentiality in the Quran, attributing ambiguous and uncertain elements to this sacred book. Therefore, it is necessary to examine and critique his opinions on this matter. In this paper, the researcher has attempted an analytical, descriptive, and critical approach to validate the theory of self-referentiality and evaluate some points raised by Stephen Wild. It became evident from his claims that the Quran presents a clear meaning of the term “Quran” and the term “Furqan” being in Hebrew doesn’t pose any damage to its usage in the Quran. This is because the Quran itself is an instance of Furqan and a clear differentiator between truth and falsehood. Furthermore, various interpretative methods such as Quran-to-Quran approach, thematic and semantic approach by Izutsu, all signify self-referentiality, attracting the attention of Islamic scholars and Western intellectuals towards Quranic interpretation. Hence, all these aspects strengthen the theory of self-referentiality in a positive light. Referencing and affirming oneself in one’s discourse is a validation of its authenticity, which does not nullify the Quranic verses and its rulings; rather, it aligns with and validates the Quranic verses and its propositions. This basis and interpretative method are also found in the manner of interpretation by His Eminence Ayatollah Khamenei, wherein he repeatedly refers to Quranic verses in the interpretation and explanation of the teachings of the Quran