This article examines and critiques the entry “Shahīd” in the Encyclopaedia of the Qurʾān (Leiden) and seeks to evaluate it based on Islamic teachings, particularly the Qurʾanic perspectives found in the thought of Imam Khamenei. The main question of this study is whether the definition and explanation of the concept of “shahīd” presented in this entry are consistent with the authentic Qurʾanic, hadith, and exegetical sources of Islam, especially within the Shi‘i interpretive tradition. Since the entry largely relies on certain Sunni sources as well as comparative approaches with early Christianity, a critical examination of it from the standpoint of Islamic foundations appears necessary.The research method employed in this study is descriptive–analytical and critical. Using library-based research, the content of the entry “Shahīd” in the Encyclopaedia of the Qurʾān (Leiden) is evaluated in light of Qurʾanic verses, hadiths, the views of Qurʾanic exegetes, and the statements of Imam Khamenei. The findings indicate that the definition of “shahīd” presented in the entry is neither comprehensive nor precise. The content of the entry lacks sufficient structural coherence, and in its selection of sources it relies predominantly on Sunni materials while making limited use of Shi‘i sources and authoritative Islamic commentaries. Furthermore, the final conclusions of the entry fail to provide a clear picture of the concept of martyrdom and show significant shortcomings in explaining its Qurʾanic and epistemological dimensions. Consequently, this study emphasizes the necessity of a critical reassessment of this entry and its revision based on authentic Islamic sources.
Akbar Farahi Bakhshayish, A. and Shoaei, A. A. (2026). A Critical Analysis of the Entry ‘Shahīd’ in the Encyclopaedia of the Qurʾān (Leiden) Based on Islamic Teachings, with Emphasis on Ayatollah Khamenei’s Qurʾanic Thought. The Quran from Orientalists Point of View, 21(40), 153-201. doi: 10.22034/jqopv.2026.23822.1476
MLA
Akbar Farahi Bakhshayish, A. , and Shoaei, A. A. . "A Critical Analysis of the Entry ‘Shahīd’ in the Encyclopaedia of the Qurʾān (Leiden) Based on Islamic Teachings, with Emphasis on Ayatollah Khamenei’s Qurʾanic Thought", The Quran from Orientalists Point of View, 21, 40, 2026, 153-201. doi: 10.22034/jqopv.2026.23822.1476
HARVARD
Akbar Farahi Bakhshayish, A., Shoaei, A. A. (2026). 'A Critical Analysis of the Entry ‘Shahīd’ in the Encyclopaedia of the Qurʾān (Leiden) Based on Islamic Teachings, with Emphasis on Ayatollah Khamenei’s Qurʾanic Thought', The Quran from Orientalists Point of View, 21(40), pp. 153-201. doi: 10.22034/jqopv.2026.23822.1476
CHICAGO
A. Akbar Farahi Bakhshayish and A. A. Shoaei, "A Critical Analysis of the Entry ‘Shahīd’ in the Encyclopaedia of the Qurʾān (Leiden) Based on Islamic Teachings, with Emphasis on Ayatollah Khamenei’s Qurʾanic Thought," The Quran from Orientalists Point of View, 21 40 (2026): 153-201, doi: 10.22034/jqopv.2026.23822.1476
VANCOUVER
Akbar Farahi Bakhshayish, A., Shoaei, A. A. A Critical Analysis of the Entry ‘Shahīd’ in the Encyclopaedia of the Qurʾān (Leiden) Based on Islamic Teachings, with Emphasis on Ayatollah Khamenei’s Qurʾanic Thought. The Quran from Orientalists Point of View, 2026; 21(40): 153-201. doi: 10.22034/jqopv.2026.23822.1476
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