“The Commentary on the Qur’an, Vol. 2 by Al‑tabari” is far more than a book; it is a carefully crafted gateway into one of the most monumental intellectual achievements in human history. Through the dedicated translation of Scott C. Lucas, the profound methodology of Imam al‑Ṭabarī—his meticulous collection of traditions, his rigorous linguistic analysis, and his systematic weighing of diverse opinions—is made available to an English‑speaking audience.
Whether you are a university scholar, a seminary student, or a lay Muslim seeking depth, offers unique advantages.
The Commentary on the Quran Vol. 2 by al-Tabari is a seminal work in Islamic scholarship, offering a comprehensive analysis of the Quranic text. This volume, covering Surahs 2-4, provides valuable insights into the Quranic narrative, exploring themes such as creation, dispensations, and social guidance. Al-Tabari's commentary remains a rich resource for scholars, researchers, and students of Islam, shaping contemporary debates and offering a deeper understanding of the Quranic message.
One of the most fascinating sections in early tafsir literature is the discussion of why Muslims stopped praying toward Jerusalem and turned toward Mecca. Al-Tabari compiles reports describing the anxiety of the early Muslim community in Medina. Volume 2 meticulously records the Jewish objections to this change and provides the Quranic rebuttal. Al-Tabari concludes with a powerful legal maxim: Obedience to God’s current command (facing the Kaaba) is superior to clinging to a previous law (facing Jerusalem). The Commentary On The Quran Vol. 2 By Al-tabari
is not a book you finish in a weekend; it is a companion for a lifetime. It captures a moment in Islamic history when the oral tradition was being meticulously codified into an unbreakable written record. In its pages, you will find the tears of the early Muslims, the logic of their legal debates, and the awe they felt when confronted with the Divine Word.
As a master jurist who founded his own short-lived legal school ( the Jariri school ), Al-Tabari uses the verses in Volume 2 to derive legal precedents, evaluating competing viewpoints with strict objectivity. Key Themes and Theological Content in Volume 2
This is where a crucial distinction must be made. While Volume 1 of Cooper's translation was successfully published, the subsequent volumes were never completed. The project remained unfinished, and Volume 1 stands as the only testament to this ambitious undertaking. As a result, there is no Volume 2 from this specific Oxford University Press series. The edition is long out of print, making the existing Volume 1 a sought-after collector's item for scholars and serious students of Islam. “The Commentary on the Qur’an, Vol
Al-Tabari prioritizes the chain of narration. He traces explanations back to the Prophet Muhammad, his companions ( Sahaba ), and the immediate succeeding generation ( Tabi'un ).
"The Commentary On The Quran Vol. 2" by Al-Tabari is part of his extensive Tafsir work, which spans multiple volumes. This particular volume covers Surahs 2-4 (Chapters 2-4 of the Quran), providing an in-depth analysis of the verses. Al-Tabari's commentary is notable for its:
While the full original work spanned thirty volumes, modern abridged translations like the one by Scott Lucas at the University of California, Berkeley focus on the most impactful chapters. Volume 2 specifically dives into verses that provide spiritual comfort and cosmic perspective, including: Tafsir Tabari English Vol 2 - sciphilconf.berkeley.edu 2 by al-Tabari is a seminal work in
: It also covers the final chapters of the Quran, including The Earthquake (Al-Zalzalah), Sincerity (Al-Ikhlas), and the "Muw'idhatayn" ( Daybreak and People ).
(properly titled ) is widely considered the most important monument of classical Arabic and Islamic scholarship.
Volume 2 contains the profound cosmological and historical narrative of the creation of Adam, the dialogue between God and the angels, and the subsequent expulsion from Paradise. Al-Tabari’s commentary on these verses is encyclopedic:
For every interpretation, Al-Tabari does not merely offer his view; he provides a meticulous chain of narrators tracking the opinion back to the Prophet Muhammad, his Companions ( Sahabah ), or the immediate successors ( Tabi'un ). Readers of Volume 2 encounter a massive web of narrations from figures like Ibn Abbas, Qatadah, and Mujahid. 2. Linguistic and Grammatical Analysis
If you fit that profile, you will find no better guide in English. If not, postpone this volume until you have stronger foundations.
