The commentary on Ayat al-Kursi is a theological highlight. Al-Tabari seeks to explain the difference between the Throne ( Arsh ) and the Footstool ( Kursi ). He narrates traditions from Ibn Abbas suggesting that the seven heavens and the earth are like a ring thrown into a desert compared to the Kursi , and the Kursi is like that ring compared to the Arsh . Al-Tabari warns against diving into the "how" (kayfiyyah) of these divine attributes, sticking instead to the linguistic and transmitted meaning—a hallmark of the Salafi methodology that would later be championed by Ibn Taymiyyah.
The publication and study of Volume 2 in contemporary languages (notably through partial English translations by scholars like J. Cooper) have provided western academia and English-speaking Muslims unprecedented access to classical Islamic thought.
Volume 2 typically covers significant portions of (The Cow), the longest chapter of the Quran. This section is foundational to Islamic life and covers several critical areas: 1. Legal Injunctions and Social Ethics
This specific volume—part of a wider ongoing translation effort by Oxford University Press and other academic institutions—is not merely a book; it is a time machine and a masterclass in classical hermeneutics. It allows the modern reader to sit at the feet of one of Islam’s greatest polymaths, Abu Ja’far Muhammad ibn Jarir al-Tabari (839–923 CE). For students of theology, history, and Arabic literature, understanding Volume 2 is essential to grasping how early Muslims understood the Word of God.
Al-Tabari did not merely offer his own opinion. Instead, he compiled and curated thousands of reports, sayings, and stories attributed to the Prophet Muhammad, his companions (Sahaba), and the following generation (Tabi'un). The Commentary On The Quran Vol. 2 By Al-tabari
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
Every explanation is backed by an isnad (chain of transmission) linking back to the Prophet, his companions, or early scholars.
The core strength of his work is the meticulous inclusion of the chains of narrators. Even if a narration was considered weak, Al-Tabari often included it, leaving it to future scholars to evaluate the accuracy of the sources. 2. The Significance of Volume 2
The volume often details the narratives of the prophets, focusing on lessons regarding patience, faith, and adherence to divine law. Al-Tabari brings together disparate accounts to provide a comprehensive narrative. C. The Nature of Guidance and Misguidance The commentary on Ayat al-Kursi is a theological highlight
The ethics of Qisas (equitable retribution) and its role in maintaining societal peace.
Al-Tabari uses these narratives not as mere historical artifacts, but as moral blueprints. He emphasizes the concepts of divine mercy, human frailty, and the consequences of breaking spiritual covenants. 2. The Changing of the Qiblah (Direction of Prayer)
For over a millennium, the name of Imam Muhammad ibn Jarir al-Tabari (838–923 CE / 224–310 AH) has stood as a towering giant in the landscape of classical Islamic scholarship. He was a Persian polymath—an exegete, historian, jurist, and theologian—whose intellectual output helped lay the very foundations of Sunni orthodoxy. Among his many works, two have survived as monumental cornerstones of Islamic knowledge: his universal history, Tarikh al-Rusul wa al-Muluk (History of the Prophets and Kings), and his magnum opus of scriptural interpretation, Jāmiʿ al-bayān ʿan taʾwīl āy al-Qurʾān (The Comprehensive Exposition of the Interpretation of the Verses of the Qur’an), popularly known as .
For centuries, accessing Al-Tabari's commentary required a masterful command of classical Arabic and an intimate knowledge of early Islamic biographies. However, contemporary scholarship has sought to bring this vital text to the English-speaking world. Notable abridged translations and volumes published by institutions like Oxford University Press and the Islamic Texts Society have attempted to capture the essence of Al-Tabari’s work. Al-Tabari warns against diving into the "how" (kayfiyyah)
If the Companions disagreed on the context of a verse, Al-Tabari lists every single narration with its complete chain of transmission.
Information on the best available for purchase. Share public link
Volume 2 shifts toward building the social framework of the early Muslim community in Medina. Al-Tabari examines early rulings on:
Volume 2 of Al-Tabari’s Commentary is a demanding but rewarding read. It is not a devotional bedside book; it is a reference work of immense weight.
Every narration is accompanied by its isnad (chain of transmitters), allowing later scholars to verify the authenticity of the reports. 3. Synthesis and Critical Evaluation ( Tarjih )