The Story of Prophet Yunus (Jonah)
A Lesson in Patience and Repentance
Prophet Yunus (عليه السلام), the son of Matta, was sent by Allah to the people of Nineveh, a thriving city in northern Iraq with over 100,000 inhabitants. Despite being born among them, Yunus faced great resistance when he called his people to abandon idol worship and submit to Allah alone.
The Rejection of Nineveh
For years, Prophet Yunus preached with patience, warning his people of Allah’s punishment, just as the nations of ‘Ad, Thamud, and the people of Nuh had faced before them. But the people mocked him, saying:
“We and our forefathers have worshipped these gods for years, and no harm has come to us!”
Despite their arrogance, Yunus continued to advise them, fearing the wrath of Allah. But when they persisted in disbelief, he grew disheartened and left the city without Allah’s command.
The People’s Repentance and Salvation
Soon after Yunus departed, the skies darkened, and the earth trembled—a sign of impending punishment. Terrified, the people remembered Yunus’ warnings and fell into sincere repentance. They cried out to Allah, begging for mercy.
Moved by their humility, Allah forgave them and lifted His punishment. The people then prayed for Yunus’ return so he could guide them—and indeed, they became the only nation in history to fully embrace faith after facing the threat of divine punishment.
Allah says in the Quran:
"Was there any town that believed after seeing the punishment, and its faith at that moment saved it? (None)—except the people of Yunus. When they believed, We removed from them the torment of disgrace in this world and permitted them to enjoy life for a time."
(Quran. Surah Yunus, Chapter 10, Chapter of Jonah, Verse 98)
Yunus in the Belly of the Whale
Meanwhile, Yunus had boarded a ship to escape, but a violent storm arose. When the crew drew lots to lighten the ship, Yunus’ name was chosen three times. Recognizing this as Allah’s decree for abandoning his mission, he threw himself into the raging sea.
A massive whale swallowed him, and Yunus found himself in three layers of darkness:
The darkness of the night,
The darkness of the ocean,
The darkness inside the whale’s belly.
Realizing his mistake, he cried out in sincere repentance:
"La ilaha illa Anta, Subhanaka! Inni kuntu minaz-zalimin!"
(There is no god but You, Glory to You! Indeed, I have been of the wrongdoers!)
Allah, the Most Merciful, heard his plea and commanded the whale to release Yunus onto a shore. Weak and sickly, Yunus was then shaded by a rapidly growing plant, nourished by Allah’s mercy.
The Power of Repentance
Allah mentions Yunus’ story as a reminder:
"Had he not been of those who glorified Allah, he would have remained in its belly until the Day of Resurrection."
(Quran, Surah As-Saffat, Chapter 37, The Rangers, Verse 143-144)
Yunus’ story teaches us:
Never abandon duty without Allah’s permission.
Never lose hope in Allah’s mercy—sincere repentance can save us.
Patience in da’wah is essential; victory comes from Allah.
May Allah make us among those who turn to Him in repentance and remain steadfast in His path. Ameen.