📜 Basic Information
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Yūnus (Jonah) – عليه السلام |
| Also Known As | Dhun-Nūn (ذُو النُّون) – “The Man of the Fish” |
| Mentioned In | Qur’an: Surah Yūnus, Surah As-Saffāt, Al-Anbiyā’, Al-Qalam |
| People | The people of Nineveh (modern-day Iraq) |
| Message | Call to worship Allah and repent from wrongdoing |
| Known For | Being swallowed by a whale/fish and surviving by Allah’s mercy |
🏙️ His Mission to the People of Nineveh
Allah sent Yūnus (AS) to the city of Nineveh, a powerful city whose people had strayed far from righteousness. They were engaged in idol worship, sin, and injustice.
Like other prophets, Yūnus called them to the worship of Allah alone and warned them of a severe punishment if they did not repent. However, his people mocked and rejected him repeatedly.
⚠️ The Departure of Yunus (AS)
Unlike most prophets who patiently waited for Allah’s command, Yūnus (AS), in a moment of frustration and disappointment, left his people before receiving permission from Allah.
“And [mention] Dhun-Nūn, when he went off in anger and thought that We would not decree [anything] upon him…”
[Surah Al-Anbiyā’ 21:87]
This step was a mistake — not sinful in intent, but it was done without divine instruction, which is crucial for a prophet.
🐋 Swallowed by the Great Fish
After leaving his people, Yūnus boarded a ship. During a storm, the crew, believing someone had brought divine wrath, cast lots to see who would be thrown overboard — and Yūnus’s name was chosen.
He was cast into the sea, and Allah caused a great fish (or whale) to swallow him.
“Then the fish swallowed him while he was blameworthy.”
[Surah As-Saffāt 37:142]
Inside the darkness of the fish’s belly, deep in the ocean, Yūnus (AS) turned to Allah with sincere repentance and humility.
🕯️ The Famous Du‘a’ (Supplication) of Yunus
From the depths of the sea, in total darkness, he made the powerful du‘ā’:
“لَا إِلَٰهَ إِلَّا أَنتَ سُبْحَانَكَ إِنِّي كُنتُ مِنَ الظَّالِمِينَ”
“There is no deity except You. Glory be to You. Indeed, I have been of the wrongdoers.”
[Surah Al-Anbiyā’ 21:87]
This du‘ā’ is one of the most beloved and effective supplications in Islam. It reflects:
- Tawḥīd (Oneness of Allah)
- Tasbīḥ (Glorifying Allah)
- Admitting one’s fault
“So We responded to him and saved him from the distress. And thus do We save the believers.”
[Surah Al-Anbiyā’ 21:88]
🌿 Saved and Forgiven
Allah, in His infinite mercy, accepted the repentance of Yūnus (AS). He was spit out by the fish onto a shore, weak and sick.
“And We threw him onto the open shore while he was ill. And We caused to grow over him a gourd vine.”
[Surah As-Saffāt 37:145–146]
The gourd plant gave him shade and nourishment. After recovering, Yūnus (AS) was sent back to his people, who had now repented and believed in his absence.
🌟 A Rare Nation That Believed
When the people of Nineveh saw the signs of impending punishment after Yūnus left, they were overcome with fear and turned to Allah in repentance.
“Was there any city that believed and its faith benefited it except the people of Yūnus?”
[Surah Yūnus 10:98]
They were saved — making them the only known nation in the Qur’an to collectively repent before punishment fell.
🌱 Lessons from the Life of Yunus (AS)
| Lesson | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Turn to Allah, always | No matter how dark the situation, turn to Him with sincerity. |
| Never lose hope in da‘wah | Even if people reject you, patience and trust in Allah are key. |
| Repentance brings relief | Allah’s mercy is vast and always open to the sincere. |
| Admit mistakes with humility | Prophets, though righteous, show us how to respond when we fall short. |
| Even the smallest du‘ā’ can save you | Especially when made with a sincere heart. |
🏛️ Summary of Prophet Yūnus (AS)
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Mission | Call people of Nineveh to worship Allah |
| Challenge | Faced rejection and left prematurely |
| Miracle | Swallowed by a fish and saved through du‘ā’ |
| Famous Du‘ā’ | “Lā ilāha illa Anta…” |
| Outcome | People repented; Yūnus returned with honor |
| Legacy | A model of repentance and Allah’s mercy |
Prophet Yūnus (AS) is a beautiful example of the human struggle between frustration and faith — and the triumph of sincere repentance. His story reminds us that no matter how far we’ve gone, Allah’s mercy is closer than we think.
