Tabari:Selections from The Comprehensive Exposition of the Interpretation of the Verses of the Qur'an 2 Vol Set

Tabari’s Qur’an Commentary, Comprehensive Exposition of the Interpretation of the Verses of the Qur’an, is one of the great monuments of classical Arabic and Islamic scholarship which, over a millennium, has been a fundamental reference work for scholars engaged in the tradition of Qur’anic exegesis. This two-volume translation focuses on thirty selected verses and Suras, or Chapters, associated with special merits and blessings and also includes Tabari’s own introduction to the Comprehensive Exposition.

Volume I contains: Tabari’s introduction; The Opening; the Throne Verse and the final three verses from The Cow (2:255 and 284–286); The Family of ‘Imran (3:7 and 18); Repentance (9:38–40 and 128–129); the story of Moses and al-Khadir from The Cave (18:60–82); the Verse of Light from The Light (24:35–42); Prostration; Ya’ Sin.

Volume II contains: The Companies (39:53–55); The Smoke; The Beneficent; The Inevitable Occasion; Iron; The Gathering (59:18–24); Sovereignty; The Resurrection; The Most High; The Sun; The Night; The Earthquake; The Chargers; Rivalry; The Disbelievers; Aid; Sincerity; Daybreak; People.

Abu Ja’far Muhammad b. Jarir al-Tabari (d. 310/923) is one of the most famous Muslim scholars of medieval Islamic civilisation. He composed numerous books in Arabic in the fields of Islamic law, Qur’an commentary and history. The only two large books of his to survive are his History of Messengers and Kings and his Qur’anic commentary, The Comprehensive Exposition of the Interpretation of the Verses of the Qur’an.

Scott C. Lucas is Associate Professor of Islamic Studies in the School of Middle Eastern and North African Studies at the University of Arizona.

‘Scott Lucas’ abridged translation of al-Tabari’s famous Quranic commentary strikes a perfect balance between eloquence and accuracy. This fine work will therefore be warmly received by anyone wishing to gain greater access to the inexhaustible treasuries of the Quran.’
Mohammed Rustom, Assistant Editor of The Study Quran: A New Translation and Commentary.