Let’s look at three specific features that make this volume a masterpiece.
While Volume 1 typically covers the Fatiha and the beginning of Al-Baqarah (The Cow), traditionally picks up the torch from the middle of Surah Al-Baqarah and extends into the opening of Surah Al-Imran (The Family of Imran). Specifically, most standardized editions (such as the popular 30-volume Dar al-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah print) designate Volume 2 to cover:
Volume 2 dedicates substantial space to the stories of past prophets, particularly the complex relationship between Moses and the Children of Israel. Al-Tabari uses these historical narratives as moral and ethical allegories for the Muslim community, emphasizing the consequences of breaking divine covenants. Al-Tabari’s Executive Methodology The Commentary On The Quran Vol. 2 By Al-tabari
Instead of relying purely on personal philosophical speculation, Al-Tabari meticulously gathered chains of transmission ( isnad ) tracing back to: The Prophet Muhammad The Companions ( Sahabah ), such as Ibn Abbas and Ibn Mas'ud
(formally Jāmiʿ al-bayān ʿan taʾwīl āy al-Qurʾān ) is a foundational volume in one of the most significant works of Islamic scholarship. Authored by the Persian scholar Muhammad ibn Jarir al-Tabari (839–923 CE) in the 3rd century of Islam, this commentary is widely considered the earliest major running exegesis (tafsir) to survive in its original form. Overview of Content Let’s look at three specific features that make
Without al-Tabari’s meticulous compilation in works like Volume 2, a vast repository of early Islamic oral traditions would have been lost to history.
The Commentary on the Quran Vol. 2 by Abu Ja’far Muhammad ibn Jarir al-Tabari (d. 923 CE) is a seminal work in Islamic scholarship, forming part of his monumental Jami‘ al-bayan ‘an ta’wil ay al-Qur’an ( Comprehensive Exposition of the Interpretation of the Verses of the Qur'an ). As the earliest major Quranic commentary to survive in its original form, it is highly regarded for its exhaustive use of traditional reports and independent scholarly judgment. Al-Tabari uses these historical narratives as moral and
The content is organized by chapter, moving from the latter parts of the Quran forward. The specific surahs and verses included are:
This volume covers arguably the most famous verse of the Quran. Al-Tabari’s commentary on Ayat al-Kursi is a theological masterpiece. He discusses the attributes of Allah ("The Living, the Sustainer"), explaining how the Arabic grammar ( isim jins ) implies the absolute, infinite nature of God. He rejects anthropomorphism (comparing God to creation) by citing early reports that treat the "Hands of God" metaphorically.
These verses are not simple narratives. They are a dense legal, theological, and historical tapestry. This section deals with: