Tafsir al-Kashani Part 2 (Volume II) is a major Sufi commentary (ta’wil) by 'Abd al-Razzaq al-Kashani, spanning Quranic chapters 19 (Maryam) to 114 (al-Nas). Modern scholarship confirms Kashani as the author of this work, which focuses on esoteric meanings, spiritual gnosis, and annihilation of the self, often previously misattributed to Ibn ‘Arabi. A significant English sample of Volume II can be accessed at the Royal Islamic Strategic Studies Centre (RISSC).
Tafsir al-Kashani (often titled Ta’wilat al-Qur’an) is a major work of esoteric Sufi exegesis. Because it was historically misattributed to the famous mystic Ibn Arabi, you may find it under both names in various digital libraries. 📥 Accessing Part 2 (PDF)
You can find digital versions of Part 2 (Volume II) through the following repositories:
English Translation: A modern English translation of Volume II by Khalid Williams is available as a preview/PDF snippet on ITS (Islamic Texts Society) and for purchase at Fons Vitae.
Arabic Original: The full Arabic text is hosted on the Internet Archive and AlTafsir.com.
Urdu Version: If you are looking for the Urdu translation of Tafsir-e-Safi (also by a scholar named Kashani, Mulla Faiz), it is available on Jafri Library and Scribd [1.11]. 📖 Content Summary (Part 2)
Part 2 typically covers the middle to latter sections of the Qur'an, focusing on the "inner" or ta’wil meanings.
Key Themes: The text emphasizes gnosis (ma'rifa)—the direct, experiential knowledge of God. It interprets verses as stages of the spiritual journey rather than just legal or historical facts.
Notable Sections: Includes deep mystical insights into the stories of the Prophets, such as the story of Moses and the spiritual symbolism of the "Palm Tree" in the story of Mary.
Style: Al-Kashani is known for being more systematic and approachable than Ibn Arabi, though he heavily utilizes "Akbarian" doctrine (like wahdat al-wujud or the Unity of Existence). kashani.pdf - Al Tafsir.com
A Sufi Commentary on the Qurʾān: Volume II (Taʾwīlāt al-Qurʾān) by 'Abd al-Razzaq al-Kashani, translated by Khalid Williams, is a significant work of esoteric (tafsīr al-ishārī) commentary, covering the second half of the Qur'an. Key Details of Volume 2
Contents: Covers Surahs from Mary (Maryam) to the end of the Qur'an (Surah al-Nas).
Focus: It offers mystical, inward interpretations (ta’wīl) rather than just legal or literal explanations, concentrating on the inner realities of the divine.
Attribution: Long mistakenly attributed to Ibn 'Arabi, this work is now correctly recognized as belonging to his student, 'Abd al-Razzaq al-Kashani, a major figure in the school of Ibn 'Arabi.
Translation: The English translation is published by Fons Vitae and The Islamic Texts Society. Key Themes in Kashani's Work
Gnosis (Ma'rifah): The text focuses heavily on the direct experience and knowledge of God.
Spiritual Realities: For instance, in his commentary on Surah al-Ma'idah (v. 6), Kashani interprets the ritual washing (wudu) as the washing of the heart with spiritual sciences, and the cleaning of the self from the contamination of worldly desires.
Theophany: The work highlights the Quran as a manifestation of divine beauty and attributes. Accessing the Text
Digital Copy (English): The Risala Institute provides insights into the translation.
Digital Copy (Arabic/Other): Archive.org hosts various versions often mislabeled as Ibn 'Arabi.
Purchasing: Wardah Books and Shiabooks are listed as sellers.
A Sufi Commentary of the Quran: Tafsir Kashani Vol. 2 - Wardah Books
Tafsir al-Kashani Part 2 (properly known as Ta’wilat al-Qur’an) is a seminal masterpiece of Sufi exegesis written by the 14th-century scholar Abd al-Razzaq al-Kashani (d. 1329–35). Long misattributed to his master, Ibn Arabi, this work serves as a systematic bridge between complex mystical metaphysics and the Qur’anic text. Part 2 specifically covers the commentary from Surah Maryam (Chapter 19) to the end of the Qur’an. Core Themes and Methodology
The primary focus of Tafsir al-Kashani is gnosis (ma‘rifa), or the direct, experiential knowledge of the Divine. Kashani’s methodology distinguishes between the exterior (zahir) meaning accessible to reason and the interior (batin) spiritual reality accessible through spiritual wayfaring.
Tafsir al-Kashani Part 2: Exploring the Depths of Esoteric Quranic Commentary
The study of the Quran has always been divided between the outward (zahir) and the inward (batin). Among the most celebrated works that bridge these two worlds is the commentary by the renowned 17th-century polymath, Mulla Muhsin Fayd al-Kashani. If you are searching for Tafsir al-Kashani Part 2 PDF, you are likely looking for his magnum opus, Al-Safi fi Tafsir Kalam Allah al-Wafi. tafsir al-kashani part 2 pdf
In this article, we explore the significance of the second part of this monumental work, its methodological approach, and how to effectively utilize the digital PDF versions available today. Who was Mulla Muhsin Fayd al-Kashani?
Before diving into the second volume, it is essential to understand the author. Fayd al-Kashani (d. 1680) was a giant of the Safavid era. A student of the great Mulla Sadra, he was not only a theologian and philosopher but also a master of hadith and jurisprudence.
His tafsir, Al-Safi, is unique because it combines rigorous scholarly tradition with the spiritual insights of a gnostic (’arif). What Does Part 2 Cover?
While different PDF editions may vary in their pagination, "Part 2" typically moves beyond the foundational opening chapters (Surah Al-Fatiha and the beginning of Al-Baqarah) and delves into the heart of Quranic legislation and spiritual storytelling. Key Themes in the Second Volume:
Legal Injunctions: Al-Kashani provides a balanced view of the verses of ruling (Ayat al-Ahkam), blending legal requirements with their underlying spiritual purposes.
Narratives of the Prophets: This section often covers the detailed accounts of earlier prophets, using these stories as mirrors for the soul's journey.
Imami Traditions: A hallmark of Al-Safi is the heavy reliance on the narrations of the Ahl al-Bayt. Kashani filters thousands of traditions to provide the most authentic esoteric explanations. Why Search for the PDF Version?
For modern students and researchers, the Tafsir al-Kashani Part 2 PDF offers several advantages:
Searchability: Digital versions often allow you to search for specific keywords like "wilayah," "tawhid," or specific Surah names.
Portability: Carrying multi-volume physical sets of classical tafsir is difficult; having Part 2 on a tablet allows for study anywhere.
Annotation: Most PDF readers allow for digital highlighting and note-taking, which is vital for a work as dense as this. Methodology of the Tafsir
In Part 2, readers will notice Kashani’s distinct "Safi" (Pure) style. He avoids the lengthy grammatical debates found in Tafsir al-Baydawi or the purely philosophical abstractions of other scholars. Instead, he focuses on:
The Hadith-First Approach: Letting the words of the Prophet and the Imams explain the Divine Word.
Conciseness: He is famous for removing unnecessary filler, providing a "pure" extract of meaning.
Ethical Insight: Every verse is treated as a guide for moral refinement. How to Find and Use the PDF Safely
When looking for a Tafsir al-Kashani Part 2 PDF, ensure you are downloading from reputable academic or religious digital libraries. Look for versions that include: High-quality scans: To ensure the Arabic script is legible.
Interactive Tables of Content: To jump directly to specific Surahs.
Multiple Formats: Some libraries offer "Text PDFs" which are lighter and easier to copy-paste from for research papers. Conclusion
Tafsir al-Kashani remains a cornerstone for anyone interested in the intersection of philosophy, hadith, and Quranic exegesis. Part 2 specifically offers a deep dive into the practical and spiritual applications of the Quranic message. Whether you are a student of Islamic studies or a spiritual seeker, having this text in your digital library is an invaluable asset.
The subject of your search—Tafsir al-Kashani—actually opens a fascinating door into a historical mystery within Islamic scholarship. Depending on which "Kashani" you are looking for, you are either diving into the heart of Sufi metaphysics or the depths of Shi’a tradition.
Here is an essay exploring why this specific work remains so compelling to scholars and seekers alike. The Mirror of the Soul: Exploring Tafsir al-Kashani
In the vast library of Quranic commentaries (tafasir), most works act as windows, looking outward to explain linguistics, historical context, or legal rulings. However, Tafsir al-Kashani—specifically the one attributed to the 14th-century Sufi master ’Abd al-Razzaq al-Kashani—functions more like a mirror. It is a cornerstone of "esoteric" commentary, where the goal isn't just to understand the word of God, but to experience the presence of God within the human heart. The Mystery of Authorship
One of the most interesting aspects of "Part 2" of this work is the scholarly debate surrounding it. For centuries, this specific Sufi commentary was mistakenly attributed to the great philosopher Ibn ‘Arabi. While the language and "Greatest Master" (al-Shaykh al-Akbar) influence are undeniable, modern scholars have identified the rhythmic, deeply spiritual prose as belonging to al-Kashani. This historical mix-up highlights just how influential the work was; it was so profound that people assumed only the most famous mystic in history could have written it. Moving Beyond the Literal
What makes reading the second part of this Tafsir unique is its commitment to Ta’wil (spiritual interpretation). While a standard commentary might explain the "Parting of the Red Sea" as a physical miracle, Kashani invites the reader to see it as a metaphor for the soul crossing the sea of the material world to reach the "shore" of spiritual certainty.
In Kashani’s world, every prophet mentioned in the later halves of the Quran—from Moses to Jesus to Muhammad—represents a different faculty of the human spirit. The "enemies" the prophets face are not just historical figures, but the "ego" and "base desires" that every person must fight in their own internal "holy war." The Unity of Existence Tafsir al-Kashani Part 2 (Volume II) is a
At the heart of Part 2 lies the doctrine of Wahdat al-Wujud, or the Unity of Being. Kashani uses his commentary to argue that there is no true reality except the Divine. To him, the Quran is not just a book of laws; it is a map showing how the many (creation) return to the One (the Creator). This perspective transforms the act of reading into a meditative practice. Why It Still Matters
In an age of literalism, Tafsir al-Kashani offers a radical alternative. It suggests that the Quran is a living, breathing document that speaks directly to the internal psychological and spiritual state of the reader. It challenges us to look past the ink and paper to find the "hidden" meanings that can only be perceived when the heart is polished.
A quick clarification: Are you looking for the Sufi commentary by 'Abd al-Razzaq al-Kashani (often titled Ta'wilat al-Qur'an), or
Both are masterpieces, but they offer very different perspectives on the text!
I can prepare a concise report. Assumptions: you want a summary of Tafsir al-Kashani (Part 2) including authorship, structure, main themes, notable exegetical methods, key tafsir points for major surahs/verses in that part, and bibliographic info plus where to find a PDF legally if available.
Do you want:
Pick 1 or 2.
Tafsir al-Kashani (often referred to as Ta'wilat al-Qur'an or Tafsir al-Qur'an al-Karim) is a profound Sufi commentary written by 'Abd al-Razzāq al-Kāshānī (d. 1330). It is strongly rooted in the school of Ibn 'Arabi and wahdat al-wujud (oneness of being), focusing on esoteric (ishari or ta'wil) interpretation rather than the legal or literal (exoteric) meaning. Key Information & Finding the PDF
Alternative Names: Known commonly as Ta'wilat al-Qur'an, though frequently misattributed to Ibn 'Arabi in printed editions.
Accessing the Text: The full text is available via the Internet Archive (tafsir_al-kashani_djvu.txt) and indexed on academic repositories like AlTafsir.com.
English Translation: A two-volume English translation titled A Sufi Commentary on the Qur'an exists (Volume II covers the second half), published by Fons Vitae. How to Use Part 2 (Second Half) of the Tafsir
Understand the Methodology: Kāshānī's method focuses on unveiling the inner realities (asrar) behind the outer, literal phrasing (zahir). He often interprets Quranic stories as allegories for the soul's journey, the heart's states, and divine attributes.
Focus on Esoteric Symbolism: If you are looking at specific verses in Part 2, do not expect legal rulings. Instead, look for how he links verses to concepts like Fanā' (annihilation), Wujūd (being), and spiritual stations (maqāmāt).
Cross-Reference with Ibn 'Arabi's School: To truly grasp the nuance of his interpretation, it is helpful to understand the metaphysics of Ibn Sina (Avicenna) and Ibn 'Arabi, as Kāshānī blends these in his work.
Identify the Surahs: Part 2 usually covers the latter portion of the Quran, starting from roughly the middle chapters onwards. Key Themes in Part 2
Divine Disclosure: Exploring how God unveils Himself in the speech of the Quran.
Heart's Transformation: How spiritual travelers understand the Divine.
Metaphysical Reality: Detailed explanations of the oneness of existence (wahdat al-wujud). To make this guide more tailored, A specific surah or verse in the second half? A guide on the overall methodology? Full text of "Tafsir al-Kashani" - Internet Archive
The Garden of Esoteric Truths
The rain was drumming a relentless rhythm against the copper roof of the old library in downtown Cairo. Elias, a doctoral student in comparative religion, sat hunched over a scratched wooden table. His notes were scattered like fallen leaves—diagrams of Sufic cosmology, Arabic lexicons, and a half-empty cup of cold tea.
For weeks, he had been navigating the dense, profound waters of Tafsir al-Kashani, formally known as Tafsir al-Manar or Ta'wilat al-Quran, written by the 17th-century Persian mystic and philosopher Mulla Muhsin Fayd al-Kashani. The work was a masterpiece, bridging the gap between the exoteric (Zahir) and the esoteric (Batin) meanings of the Holy Quran.
Elias had devoured the first volume. He had traced Kashani’s explanations of the Opening, the Cow, and the Family of Imran, mesmerized by how the scholar peeled back the layers of history to reveal the spiritual realities underneath. But now, he was stuck. His physical copy of the book—a heavy, leather-bound tome inherited from his late mentor—ended abruptly at Surah Al-Ma'idah. He needed the commentary on Surah Al-An'am (The Cattle) to continue his thesis on the "Inner Dimensions of Divine Law."
He needed Part 2.
The librarian, an elderly man with spectacles thick as bottle bottoms, shook his head when Elias approached the circulation desk. "The second volume is rare, my son. The printing press that published that specific edition closed twenty years ago. The only copies are in private collections or locked away in the archives in Qom."
Disheartened but not defeated, Elias retreated to the corner of the library where the ancient desktop computers hummed quietly. He typed the query that had become his mantra: Tafsir al-Kashani Part 2 pdf. A short (1–2 page) executive summary, or A
The search results were a labyrinth. He found broken links, scanned pages in illegible script, and forums where scholars debated the nuances of Kashani’s philosophy without providing the text itself. He clicked through pages of digital dust, the glow of the monitor reflecting in his tired eyes.
Just as he was about to close the browser, a link led him to a digitized archive of Islamic manuscripts, hosted by a university in Tehran. The interface was dated, simple text on a white background. There, listed under the works of Fayd al-Kashani, was a downloadable file.
Tafsir_al_Kashani_Vol_2_OCR.pdf
Elias held his breath. The file size was large—over 800 megabytes. He clicked "Download." The progress bar inched forward, a thin sliver of green hope against a grey background. The library’s slow internet connection seemed to mock his urgency.
20%... 40%...
A notification popped up: Connection Unstable.
Elias refreshed the page. The file started again. He sat back, watching the cursor blink. He thought about the contents of that second volume. It would contain the verses regarding the lawful and the unlawful, the intricate discussions on the spiritual reality of testimony, and the profound commentaries on the nature of the soul’s journey toward God. Part 1 had been about establishing the foundation; Part 2 was about the journey.
80%... 99%... Complete.
The PDF icon appeared on the desktop. With a trembling finger, Elias double-clicked.
The screen filled with the creamy, textured background of a scanned manuscript. The Arabic calligraphy was elegant, the ink a deep, lasting black, punctuated by the red marginalia of previous scholars. It wasn’t just a text file; it was a digital photograph of a physical book that had survived centuries.
He scrolled down to the beginning of Surah Al-An'am.
“Praise be to Allah, Who created the heavens and the earth...”
Beside the verse, Kashani’s commentary began in the classic Naskh script. Elias leaned in to read. The text didn't just interpret the words; it spoke of the "heavens" as the higher spiritual states of the heart and the "earth" as the lower self. It was exactly the bridge he needed for his research.
He plugged in his USB drive and dragged the heavy PDF file onto it. A small window popped up: Time remaining: 2 minutes.
Elias smiled. Outside, the rain continued to fall, but the fog in his mind had cleared. He had the key. The search was over, and the study could finally begin. He had found the second half of the map, and now, he was ready to follow where Mulla Muhsin Fayd al-Kashani led.
Here, al-Kāshānī becomes intensely practical. Short sūrahs like al-Ikhlāṣ (112) are explained as the pure affirmation of divine unity without any conceptual restriction. Al-Falaq (113) and al-Nās (114) are interpreted as prayers for protection from the evil of the external world (falaq = cosmic disintegration) and internal whispers (waswās).
Al-Kāshānī’s commentary on the “Light Verse” (24:35) is the most metaphysical in Part 2. He identifies:
A non-profit digital library.
Practical tip: Identify the editor/translator and edition year to search more precisely (e.g., “Tafsir al-Kashani [editor name] volume 2 PDF”).
Use a layered, interactive approach over several passes.
Pass 1 — Orientation (1–2 sessions)
Pass 2 — Guided reading (daily 30–60 minutes)
Pass 3 — Deep dive (weekly sessions)
Pass 4 — Reflection and synthesis
Tafsir al-Kashani (also spelled Kashani, al-Kashani) is a classical Shi‘i Qur’anic exegesis valued for its theological depth and ties to early Imami scholarship. “Part 2” could mean the second volume/section in a particular edition or the second half of the tafsir; this tutorial treats it as the next volume after an initial segment and focuses on locating PDF editions, reading strategies, and study techniques to keep you engaged and make the material meaningful.
Note: This guide emphasizes legal, ethical ways to access texts. Seek legitimate libraries, publishers, or repositories and respect copyright.