The Commentary On The Quran Vol. 2 By Al-tabari | TESTED × 2025 |

When discussing the "strike" command in the story of the cow (Baqarah 2:73), Tabari doesn't just explain the miracle. He records four different scholarly opinions on what kind of strike it was (a branch, a piece of the cow, etc.), traces each back to a Companion, and then chooses the strongest narration.

To understand the weight of Volume 2, one must first situate Al-Tabari within the 9th and 10th centuries CE (3rd and 4th centuries AH). This was a period of consolidation, where the oral traditions of the Prophet Muhammad and his Companions were being systematically recorded to combat the rise of theological sectarianism and weak narrations. Volume 2, which typically covers the continuation of Surah Al-Baqara, exemplifies the "Tabari style." Unlike later exegetes who might lean heavily on philosophical reasoning or linguistic analysis, Al-Tabari’s primary objective in this volume is the preservation of the Athar (traditions). He acts not merely as an author, but as a meticulous archivist. 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 When discussing the "strike" command in the story

Tafsir al-Tabari is universally recognized as the pinnacle of Tafsir bi-al-Ma'thur (exegesis based on transmitted traditions). Volume 2 showcases this rigorous methodology across several structural layers. 1. Linguistic and Grammatical Analysis This was a period of consolidation, where the