Among the remarkable stories of the prophets in Islam is that of Prophet Yūnus (Jonah, عليه السلام), the prophet who was swallowed by a great fish (often described as a whale). His story is full of lessons about patience, repentance, mercy, and Allah’s forgiveness.
---
The Mission of Prophet Yūnus (عليه السلام):
Prophet Yūnus was sent by Allah to the people of Nineveh, a great city in ancient Mesopotamia. The people of Nineveh were idol worshippers, far from the path of truth. Yūnus called them to worship Allah alone and abandon their false gods.
Despite his persistent preaching, the people rejected his message. They mocked him, denied his prophethood, and continued in their disobedience. After many years of rejection, Prophet Yūnus became frustrated and angry with them.
Instead of waiting for Allah’s command, he left his people and departed the city, thinking they would never believe. This decision was a mistake because a prophet must remain with his people until Allah commands otherwise.
The Ship and the Storm:
Yūnus boarded a ship to escape his people. As the ship sailed, a violent storm struck, and the crew feared they would sink. According to custom, they decided to cast lots to see who would be thrown overboard to lighten the ship.
The lot fell on Prophet Yūnus. At first, the sailors did not want to throw him out, as he seemed righteous, but the lot was drawn again and again, and each time it fell upon Yūnus. He realized that this was Allah’s decree and allowed himself to be cast into the sea.
---
Swallowed by the Great Fish:
As soon as Yūnus was thrown into the dark waves, a huge fish — by Allah’s command — swallowed him whole. Yet, unlike any normal circumstance, Yūnus was not harmed. He remained alive inside the belly of the fish, deep in the darkness of the ocean.
The Qur’an beautifully describes his situation as being in “darkness upon darkness” — the darkness of the night, the darkness of the sea, and the darkness of the fish’s belly.
---
The Du‘ā of Prophet Yūnus
In that terrifying moment, Yūnus realized his mistake of leaving his people without Allah’s permission. He turned to Allah in sincere repentance and called out with one of the most famous du‘ās in the Qur’an:
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.”
(Qur’an 21:87)
This short but powerful prayer acknowledged:
1. Tawḥīd (Oneness of Allah) – “There is no deity except You.”
2. Exaltation of Allah – “Glory be to You.”
3. Confession of sin – “Indeed, I have been of the wrongdoers.”
It became known as the Du‘ā of Distress, and the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ taught that whoever recites it sincerely in difficulty, Allah will respond.
---
Allah’s Mercy and Rescue:
Allah accepted Yūnus’s repentance. After a period of time, the fish was commanded to release him safely onto the shore. Yūnus was weak, ill, and sunburned from the experience, but Allah caused a plant to grow over him to provide shade and nourishment until he regained his strength.
Once recovered, Yūnus was commanded to return to Nineveh. When he returned, he found his people had repented and believed in Allah during his absence. The entire city embraced faith, and Allah’s punishment was lifted from them — making Nineveh one of the very few nations in history to believe in its prophet collectively.
---
Conclusion:
The story of Prophet Yūnus (عليه السلام) is one of hope, repentance, and Allah’s infinite mercy. Though he erred by leaving his people without permission, his repentance made him an example for all believers. His du‘ā remains a timeless call for anyone who feels trapped in the “darknesses” of life — whether it be hardship, sadness, or sin.
Allah says:
“So We responded to him and saved him from distress. And thus do We save the believers.” (Qur’an 21:88)
This promise is not only for Yūnus but for all who turn to Allah sincerely.
 – The Prophet and the Great Fish){kind=link}
0 Comments