A Review of the Theory of Indicative Autonomy of the Quran

'Allamah Tabatabaii has inferred the theory of indicative autonomy of the Quran form some Quranic verses and made it as the basis for his commentary method. The present paper seeks to explain this theory, investigate its role in 'Allamah Tabatabaii's commentary method and reply to a number of criticisms. 'Allamah Tabatabaii believes that the Quran is in need of nothing other than the very Quran to explain the meaning of its content. However, for demonstrating the details, instances and inner dimensions of Quranic verses, there is a need to refer to infallible Imam's explanations. This need, however, arises when dealing with the issues which the Quran has not explained them.