As Volume 2 transitions into Surah Al-Imran, the tone shifts from law to theology. The opening verses (Alif, Lam, Meem) are analyzed for their mystical huruf muqatta'ah (disjointed letters). Al-Tabari cautiously suggests these letters are proof of the Quran's miraculous nature—that it is composed of the same letters Arabs use, yet they cannot replicate it.
He then tackles the birth of Maryam (Mary) and Zakariyya (Zechariah). The commentary on Verse 3:7—regarding "clear verses" (muhkamat) and "allegorical verses" (mutashabihat)—is crucial. Al-Tabari warns against those who "follow what is allegorical seeking discord." He argues that only Allah knows the true interpretation of allegorical verses, establishing a cornerstone of Sunni orthodoxy.
The Work in Context Al-Tabari’s Jami‘ al-bayan ‘an ta’wil ay al-Qur’an (commonly known as Tafsir al-Tabari) is widely regarded as the foundational work of classical Quranic interpretation. Volume 2 of this multi-volume set (depending on the edition/translation) typically covers a crucial stretch of the Quran’s middle Medinan chapters—often including parts of Surah Al-Baqarah (The Cow), Aal-Imran (Family of Imran), and Al-Nisa’ (The Women). These chapters contain the bulk of Islamic legal, social, and theological principles.
Key Features of Volume 2
What You Will Find in a Typical Volume 2 (English translation)
For Whom Is This Book Useful?
Caveats & Practical Advice
Final Verdict The Commentary on the Quran Vol. 2 is less a book you “read cover to cover” and more a reference encyclopaedia of early Islamic thought. Owning it is like having a direct line to the first three generations of Muslim scholarship. If you are serious about understanding how classical Islam derived law, theology, and ethics from the Quran, Al-Tabari’s second volume is indispensable.
The Jami‘ al-bayan ‘an ta’wil ay al-Qur’an, popularly known as Tafsir al-Tabari, is the most influential foundation of Sunni Quranic exegesis. Volume 2 specifically transitions from the opening theological themes into the dense legislative and narrative sections of Surah Al-Baqarah (The Cow). 💡 The Core Approach
Al-Tabari (d. 923 CE) pioneered the Tafsir bi-al-Ma’thur method (Exegesis by Tradition). In Volume 2, you see his rigorous academic blueprint in action:
The Chain of Narrators: Every explanation is backed by an isnad (chain of transmission) linking back to the Prophet, his companions, or early scholars.
Linguistic Analysis: He uses pre-Islamic poetry and classical grammar to define obscure terms.
Legal Weight: He acts as a judge, weighing different opinions and declaring which interpretation is "most correct" based on evidence. 📖 Key Themes in Volume 2
Volume 2 focuses primarily on the middle and latter portions of Al-Baqarah, dealing with the establishment of the first Muslim community in Medina. 1. The Change of the Qibla
Explains the shift of the prayer direction from Jerusalem to Mecca.
Analyzes the theological implications of "The Middle Nation" (Ummatan Wasatan).
Documents the reactions of the various religious groups in Medina during this transition. 2. Legal Statutes and Ethics
Laws of Retaliation (Qisas): Discusses the nuances of justice and the value of life.
Fasting (Sawm): Covers the initial revelation of the Ramadan mandate.
Wills and Inheritance: Lays the groundwork for Islamic estate law. 3. The History of the Israelites
Al-Tabari uses Volume 2 to provide deep historical context regarding the Prophet Moses.
He clarifies the "Covenant" and the repeated cycles of guidance and deviation.
He utilizes Isra'iliyyat (Judeo-Christian traditions) but filters them through Islamic criteria. 🛠 Structural Features
Dialectical Format: He often starts sections with "If one were to say..." and follows with "The answer is..."
Philological Depth: He explores the Semitic roots of words to explain why a specific Quranic term was chosen over a synonym.
Theological Defense: He uses this volume to counter the views of the Mu'tazilites (rationalists) and other sects on matters of predestination and divine attributes. 🏆 Legacy of Volume 2
This volume is essential for anyone studying Islamic Jurisprudence (Fiqh). Because Al-Baqarah contains the bulk of the Quran's legal rulings, Tabari’s second volume serves as a primary source for how early Muslims understood: Dietary laws. The sanctity of the Mosque. The ethics of warfare and self-defense.
If you’d like to explore specific sections of this volume: Legal rulings on fasting or pilgrimage Historical accounts of the Israelites Linguistic breakdowns of specific verses Tell me which area of focus interests you most!
The Commentary on the Quran Vol. 2 by Al-Tabari: A Comprehensive Exegesis
Introduction
The Commentary on the Quran, also known as Jami' al-bayan fi ta'wil al-Quran, is a seminal work on Quranic exegesis written by the renowned Islamic scholar Muhammad ibn Jarir al-Tabari (838-923 CE). The second volume of this commentary is a treasure trove of insights into the meaning and interpretation of the Quran. In this feature, we will explore the significance, contents, and impact of The Commentary on the Quran Vol. 2 by Al-Tabari.
Significance of the Commentary
Al-Tabari's commentary is considered one of the most important and influential works on Quranic exegesis in Islamic history. Its significance can be attributed to several factors:
Contents of Vol. 2
The second volume of Al-Tabari's commentary covers the exegesis of Surahs 2-4 (Al-Baqarah, Al Imran, and An-Nisa). This volume includes:
Impact and Reception
The Commentary on the Quran Vol. 2 by Al-Tabari has had a profound impact on Islamic scholarship:
Key Features and Takeaways
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.
Providing a useful review of The Commentary on the Quran Vol. 2 by Al-Tabari requires understanding both the specific content of this volume (which generally covers Surah Al-Baqarah and Al-Imran) and the monumental status of the work as a whole.
Here is a detailed review structured for students, researchers, and general readers.
Yes, The Commentary on the Qur'an, Vol. 2 by Abu Ja'far Muhammad ibn Jarir al-Tabari (translated by J. Cooper, W. Madelung, and A. Jones) is widely regarded as an excellent and authoritative guide—provided you understand what it is and isn't meant for.
Here is a practical assessment to help you decide if it’s the right guide for your purpose.
As Volume 2 transitions into Surah Al-Imran, the tone shifts from law to narrative theology. Al-Tabari provides a detailed historical background of the birth of Maryam, relying heavily on Judeo-Christian traditions (Isra’iliyyat) that he deems historically useful, though not theologically binding. He traces the miracle of Prophet Isa speaking in the cradle and his creation "like Adam" (from dust). This section is critical for interfaith dialogue, as Al-Tabari refutes both Jewish slander of Mary and Christian claims of Jesus’ divinity, presenting the Quranic golden mean.
1. A Window to Lost Schools of Thought: When you read Volume 2, you encounter the opinions of early jurists like Al-Awza’i and Ibn Abi Layla, whose legal schools vanished. Al-Tabari preserves their logic, preventing historical amnesia.
2. The Refutation of Extremism: Modern extremists often cherry-pick verses out of context. Al-Tabari’s exhaustive method forces the reader to see the temporal and situational context of verses regarding fighting, peace treaties, and relations with Jews and Christians. He clearly shows that the "Sword Verse" (2:191) is specifically about those who break treaties and attack first.
3. Linguistic Depth: For the non-Arab, Volume 2 is a masterclass in classical Arabic poetry. To explain a rare word in Al-Baqarah, Al-Tabari quotes pre-Islamic poets like Zuhayr or Imru' al-Qais. It is impossible to truly understand the "inimitability of the Quran" without seeing how Al-Tabari deconstructs its grammar.
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.