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Al Mizan an Exegesis of the Quran

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This Tafsir of Tabatabai is a great one but unfortunately is not a complete translation of the monumental work of his. It is very contemporary interpretation mostly based on twelver's shia hadits and Quran itself. It does not try to marry the science and religion with some strange interpretations as may be subject to change and failure or try to interpret todays social and political conditions with Quran. It is not like Al-Razi's which keeps going into linguistics and Philosopical discussions of Medieval times, or as of Ibn Kathir's based on a lot of numerous hadits from various sources, or as that of Qutb's socio-political interpretation. Tabatabai makes his tafsir sometimes with comparisons from other sect's interpratation and try to prove the validity of his views. In same book you are exposed to both views but of course only one side is defended and it is up to you to defend the other side, which is a challenge of knowledge.As I said only first 8 volumes has been translated, so you do not get the entire Tafsir but almost half of the critical concepts have been covered.You can also feel the defence of Shia concepts against Sunni concepts. As part of the belief all hadits originating from Imams are consiered as absolute truth and therefore if there is any confilicting Hadit than it is overridden.The concept of Abrogation, Muta, opening ayats that are usually is a debated issue between various sects are strongly defended.

As an exegete, theologian, philosopher,jurist, theosopher, Tabatabai authors what may be regarded as the most exhaustive and penetrative exegesis of the Muslim holy Book written to date. He skillfully disects every verse of the Quran in a manner which displays not only a revealed truth inparted therein, but also comments upon the linguistical, historical, ideological and legalistic aspects of the said verse where applicable. In adddition, Tabatabai masterly applies the unique and original method of Quranic exegesis whereby the exegetic nature adopts a 'verse by verse' translation of the contextual and topical meaning of the main idea of the said verse as it appears throughout the Quran thereby demonstrating a synthetic and continuous harmony within the overall reasoning and profession of truths and their correspondant thematics as addressed therein. Further, for the first time in the history of orthodox Quranic exegetics, using both mainstream Sunni and Shi'ite texts and commentaries, Tabatabai applies explanatory summary essays, and sometimes exhaustive ones, where the topic of commentary allows. For example, the concept of exoteric and esoteric meanings dormant within the macro meaning and substance of a verse, where it be of a theological, legislative or a didactic nature, is dissected with the utmost precision of the application of all utilities of Islamic sciences relative to the realm of tafsir or exegesis. The callibre of the author is further impressed upon the pre-initiated intellectual or student of Islamic studies through the apparent vastness of the command and breadth of knowledge possessed by this towering figure in the modern history of Islamic intellectualism. A clear indicator of such profound character is further illustrated in the author's influence upon the renowned French philosopher and Islamicist the late Henry Corbin, who with the aid of the respected S.H. Nasr, converted to Islam following years of exhaustive research into the history, development and nature of Islamic tho! ught. Tabatabai's efforts are to date still unexplored to a level which equates his contribution to Islam. It is hoped that 'Al-Mizan' will be fully translated and acknowledged by Islamicists and associated scholars as the author's testimonial legacy and opus magnum containing an abundance of Islamic sciences, both, traditional and rational. Tabatabai's Islamic brilliance and originality is further illustrated in his pioneering works in the realm of theosophy and philosophy. He allows his Muslim reading audience the measure to strive tall and proud amongst human endeavour in seeking the path of Divine Truth and eternal beatitude.

Allamah Tabatabai has written the finest exgesis of the Qur'an yet. Every sentence, every word, every preposition is heavily scrutinized and examined from grammer, from hadith, from philisophical viewpoint, and from relevant verses from the Qur'an. A very through and exhaustive work. No other tafsir comes close.

I have read two exegesis so far and I found this Tafsir to be most rational and modern. The language is very good(Translation). It is based on Imami way of thinking and Imami Traditions. I am anxious to see the rest of the volumes to be published. For every chapter, it has a commentary and than interpretation and time to time comparisons are made regarding what other exegesis said about it(usually to negate it) and than related Traditions to support the interpretation, it is just perfect. Just read and as he says "Ponder about it". Just Great.

Highly recomended especially for non-arabic speaking muslims. At- Tabatabai breaks down the Qu'ran in easily understood language while revealling the revolutionary and pro-active essence of the Message. This series is not for the sedentary or weak of faith.