It preserves the views of early scholars whose own works have been lost to time.
For a reader trying to utilize this text, understanding how Al-Tabari writes is crucial. The Commentary On The Quran Vol. 2 By Al-tabari
(properly titled ) is widely considered the most important monument of classical Arabic and Islamic scholarship. It preserves the views of early scholars whose
Al-Tabari, a polymath and one of the most influential Quranic commentators, authored this extensive tafsir (exegesis) to guide Muslims in comprehending the divine message. Written over a thousand years ago, his work remains pivotal in Islamic studies, reflecting a meticulous approach to interpretation. The second volume of his commentary covers several surahs (chapters) of the Quran, providing a detailed analysis that has shaped Islamic thought and jurisprudence. Al-Tabari, a polymath and one of the most
Discusses the nuances of justice and the value of life.
Al-Tabari's rigorous system of cross-referencing and critical analysis set the standard for all future Quranic commentaries.
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.