Qurʾān Commentary

work by al-Ṭabarī

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July 13, 2026

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The work by al-Ṭabarī is a monumental commentary on the Qurʾān, the sacred scripture of Islam. Compiled in the 9th and 10th centuries CE, it is considered a foundational text in the field of tafsīr, the science of Qurʾānic exegesis. Al-Ṭabarī's commentary meticulously gathered and organized interpretive traditions from earlier scholars, providing explanations for the Qurʾān's verses. This work is noted for its comprehensive nature and its faithfulness in reproducing the pronouncements of earlier exegetes, making it a crucial resource for understanding the development of Qurʾānic interpretation.123

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al-Ṭabarī
Major works
…life’s labour began with the Qurʾān Commentary and was followed by the History of Prophets and Kings. Al-Ṭabarī’s History became so popular that the Sāmānid prince Manṣūr ibn Nūḥ had it translated into Persian (c. 963).
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…life’s labour began with the Qurʾān Commentary and was followed by the History of Prophets and Kings. Al-Ṭabarī’s History became so popular that the Sāmānid prince Manṣūr ibn Nūḥ had it translated into Persian (c. 963).
Read More