The ethics of Qisas (equitable retribution) and its role in maintaining societal peace.
Al-Tabari uses Volume 2 to dissect several critical thematic units:
[Early Oral Traditions & Narrations] │ ▼ ┌───────────────────┐ │ Tafsir al-Tabari │ <── Formulated the Classical Standard └───────────────────┘ │ ├─────────────────────────┐ ▼ ▼ ┌────────────────────┐ ┌────────────────────┐ │ Tafsir Ibn Kathir │ │ Tafsir al-Qurtubi │ └────────────────────┘ └────────────────────┘
(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
This is not mere pedantry. This is the engine of Islamic orthodoxy. Al-Tabari does not want you to take his word for it. He wants you to audit his sources. In Volume 2, when discussing the abrogation (naskh) of certain verses regarding alcohol or warfare, Al-Tabari lays out contradictory opinions from early scholars like Ibn Abbas and Mujahid, then weighs the strength of their chains. This makes Volume 2 an essential resource for anyone studying Hadith sciences (Mustalah al-Hadith). The Commentary On The Quran Vol. 2 By Al-tabari
Before settling on a theological conclusion, al-Tabari analyzes the Arabic language. He utilizes pre-Islamic poetry, grammatical structures, and dialectal variations to determine how a word or phrase was understood at the time of revelation. Synthesis and Judgment
For those specifically seeking a Volume 2 of al-Ṭabarī's commentary in English, this is the edition to look for. Volume II of Lucas's translation contains some of the most beloved and frequently recited chapters of the Qur'an, including:
Al-Tabari's work is the definitive example of (interpretation through transmitted reports). His approach in Volume 2 and throughout the series includes:
After presenting competing narrations and linguistic arguments, al-Tabari acts as a judge. He explicitly states which view is most sound ( al-awla bil-sawab ) based on textual consistency and Arabic grammar. 2. Core Themes Addressed in Volume 2 The ethics of Qisas (equitable retribution) and its
In the absence of a complete translation from Cooper, a more recent and important work has filled the gap. Commissioned by the Royal Aal al-Bayt Institute for Islamic Thought, Scott C. Lucas, an Associate Professor of Islamic Studies at the University of Arizona, produced a two-volume English translation titled Ṭabarī: Selections from The Comprehensive Exposition of the Interpretation of the Verses of the Qur'ān , published by the Islamic Texts Society in 2017. This two-volume set is the most authoritative and accessible entry point to al-Ṭabarī's tafsir for English readers.
Some key features and takeaways from The Commentary on the Quran Vol. 2 by Al-Tabari include:
In conclusion, The Commentary on the Quran Vol. 2 by Al-Tabari is a seminal work on Quranic exegesis that continues to influence Islamic scholarship to this day. Its comprehensive approach, attention to detail, and balanced methodology have made it an essential resource for scholars and students of the Quran.
The volume covers the formal institutionalization of Ramadan, breaking down the spiritual and practical laws of fasting. Additionally, it addresses early verses regarding self-defense, detailing the parameters, ethics, and strict rules of engagement in warfare. 3. Handling Theological Nuances Overview of Content This is not mere pedantry
He addresses the theological implications of the angels questioning human nature ("Will You place upon it one who causes corruption therein...?").
When variant readings ( qira'at ) or conflicting narrations arise, al-Tabari acts as a judge, weighing the evidence and explicitly stating which view is most sound and why. Key Themes Addressed in Volume 2
Al-Tabari did not merely list narrations. He was a master of the Arabic language. In Volume 2, he frequently pauses to deconstruct the morphology, syntax, and poetry of the pre-Islamic era. If a word or phrase in Surah al-Baqarah yields multiple meanings, al-Tabari uses classical Arabic poetry to argue which linguistic variation is most authentic to the Hijazi dialect of the Prophet’s time. 3. The Resolution of Variant Readings ( Qira'at )
) for every report, often citing conflicting sources to allow the reader to see the breadth of early scholarship. Linguistic Analysis
In standard modern printings and prominent English translations—such as the abridged translations published by Oxford University Press and Islamic text societies—Volume 2 primarily focuses on the extensive and complex narrative of .