The Commentary On The Quran Vol. 2 By Al-tabari 💯

| Who | Verdict | | :--- | :--- | | Graduate student of Islamic studies | Essential guide. Mandatory reading. | | Serious self-learner (with some Arabic/hadith knowledge) | Very good guide, but complement with a modern summary (e.g., Tafsir al-Sa'di). | | Beginner Muslim seeking personal reflection | Poor guide. Start with Tafsir al-Jalalayn or a contemporary English tafsir. | | Comparative religion researcher | Excellent primary source guide. |

A common question among new students is: Where does Volume 2 begin? Given that the original Arabic Tafsir often spans 30 volumes, the English translation partitions the work into manageable segments. Volume 2 typically covers a significant and theologically dense portion of the Quran, primarily focusing on the latter part of Surah Al-Baqarah (The Cow) and the opening of Surah Al-Imran (The Family of Imran).

Key Surahs covered in Vol. 2 (approximate):

Volume 2 is where Al-Tabari’s legal genius shines. The longest surah in the Quran, Al-Baqarah, is often called the "Surah of Legislation." Al-Tabari dissects every command and prohibition with forensic precision.

This volume is dense with legal and theological discourse. Key sections include:

Al-Tabari’s method is distinctive and, to the uninitiated, repetitive. However, that repetition is a feature, not a bug. His approach in Volume 2 follows a rigid three-step process: The Commentary On The Quran Vol. 2 By Al-tabari

Crucially, when reports conflict, Al-Tabari does not simply pick a favorite. He analyzes the isnad for authenticity and then offers his own linguistic or rational preference. In Volume 2, we see him grapple with intense debates regarding abrogation (naskh)—verses that supersede earlier verses.

For a reader trying to utilize this text, understanding how Al-Tabari writes is crucial.

If you’d like, I can:

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Related search suggestions: I can provide keywords to search for translations, editions, and scholarly studies. | Who | Verdict | | :--- |

The " Commentary on the Quran " (popularly known as Tafsir al-Tabari or Jami’ al-bayan) is one of the most significant works in Islamic history. Written by the Persian scholar Abu Ja'far Muhammad ibn Jarir al-Tabari (838–923 CE), it is regarded as the earliest major comprehensive commentary of the Quran to survive in its original form. Overview of Volume 2

In the widely used modern English translation and selection published by the Islamic Texts Society, Volume 2 focuses on a specific set of surahs (chapters) and verses chosen for their special merits and blessings.

Key Surahs Covered: Includes major chapters such as The Companies (Az-Zumar), The Smoke (Ad-Dukhan), The Beneficent (Ar-Rahman), The Inevitable Occasion (Al-Waqi'ah), and Sovereignty (Al-Mulk).

Shorter Surahs: It also covers the final chapters of the Quran, including The Earthquake (Al-Zalzalah), Sincerity (Al-Ikhlas), and the "Muw'idhatayn" (Daybreak and People).

Focus Areas: This volume provides Tabari’s detailed analysis of verses related to divine mercy, the day of judgment, and the power of God, using his signature narrative-based methodology. Methodology and Style Volume 2 is where Al-Tabari’s legal genius shines

Al-Tabari’s approach in this volume, as throughout the entire work, is distinct for its academic rigor:

Isnad (Chains of Authority): He provides complete chains of narration for every report he cites, allowing scholars to verify the origin of each interpretation.

Linguistic Analysis: He frequently discusses the Arabic language, rejecting the idea of foreign words in the Quran and explaining how seemingly non-Arabic terms were incorporated into the language before revelation.

Reconciling Differences: When multiple interpretations exist for a verse, Tabari presents them all fairly before offering his own reasoned preference (tarjih) based on grammar, context, or stronger narration. Significance

Tafsir al-Tabari is considered a foundational text for almost all later Quranic commentaries, including those by Ibn Kathir and Al-Qurtubi. Volume 2 is particularly popular in its selected English version as it highlights some of the most recited and spiritually significant portions of the Quran with scholarly depth.

The English translation of Volume 2 is primarily the work of Dr. John Cooper (late of Oxford University) and a team of editors under the Great Commentaries of the Holy Qur’an series (published by Oxford University Press in association with the Royal Aal al-Bayt Institute for Islamic Thought). The translation is unique because it attempts to preserve the isnad format in English, often using the passive voice ("It was reported to us that..."). This creates a formal, archaic tone that feels appropriate to the classical text. Marginal glosses provide page references to the original Arabic, allowing bilingual scholars to cross-reference easily.