🐋 The Story of Prophet Yunus (AS)
A Timeless Lesson in Patience, Du’a, and Divine Mercy
Illustration of Yunus (AS) in the belly of the whale – a moment of reflection and submission.
🌍 Who Was Prophet Yunus (AS)?
Prophet Yunus ibn Matta (عليه السلام), known as Dhul-Nun in the Qur’an, was a noble messenger sent to the people of Nineveh—a city steeped in idolatry and corruption. He called them to worship Allah alone, but they stubbornly rejected his message.
Eventually, feeling hopeless and overwhelmed, Yunus (AS) left his people without divine instruction to do so—something no prophet is permitted to do.
“And [mention] Dhul-Nun (Yunus), when he went off in anger and thought that We would not decree anything upon him.”
— Surah Al-Anbiya 21:87
🌊 Cast into the Sea and Swallowed by the Whale
As he fled, Yunus (AS) boarded a ship. But Allah’s plan was still unfolding. A storm struck, and the passengers cast lots to determine who should be thrown overboard. The lot fell on Yunus (AS). He jumped into the sea and was swallowed by a giant fish (traditionally understood as a whale).
He found himself alone in the belly of the whale—deep in the darkness of the ocean and night.
“And he cried out within the darkness, ‘There is no deity except You; glory be to You! Indeed, I have been of the wrongdoers.’”
— Surah Al-Anbiya 21:87
🤲 The Du’a That Shook the Heavens
Yunus (AS) made a short but powerful du’a. It was not just a prayer—it was a complete admission of error, humility, and surrender to Allah.
🕯 اللَّهُمَّ لاَ إِلَهَ إِلاَّ أَنْتَ سُبْحَانَكَ إِنِّي كُنْتُ مِنَ الظَّالِمِينَ
La ilaha illa Anta, Subhanaka inni kuntu minaz-zalimin.
💬 Translation:
“There is no deity but You. Glory be to You! Indeed, I have been among the wrongdoers.”
This du’a is so beloved that the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said:
“The supplication of my brother Yunus… no Muslim recites it concerning anything but Allah will answer him.”
— Tirmidhi 3505 – Sahih
🌿 Released and Restored
Allah accepted his repentance. The whale was commanded to release Yunus (AS) safely onto the shore. He was weak, exhausted, and full of remorse. Allah nurtured him with a special plant and healed him.
“Had he not been of those who glorify Allah, he would have remained inside the fish until the Day of Resurrection.”
— Surah As-Saffat 37:143-144
🏙️ Return to Nineveh: A Miraculous Turn
When Yunus (AS) returned to his people, he found something incredible: they had repented in his absence and turned back to Allah sincerely. This is one of the few nations in history that repented before divine punishment descended—and Allah accepted it.
“And they believed, so We allowed them to enjoy life for a time.”
— Surah As-Saffat 37:148
📚 Lessons from the Story of Yunus (AS)
✅ Never Despair in Allah’s Mercy:
No matter how far you feel from Allah, sincere du’a can bring you back instantly.
✅ Always Be Patient in Dawah:
A prophet’s mission is to convey, not control. Perseverance is key.
✅ Follow Allah’s Commands First:
Even prophets must wait for Allah’s instruction. Acting prematurely can result in hardship.
✅ The Power of Dhikr & Du’a:
The short du’a of Yunus (AS) is one of the greatest spiritual tools we have today.
📌 Du’a of Yunus (AS) – Keep It Close to Your Heart
Beautiful Arabic calligraphy of the du’a of Yunus (AS) – ideal for reflection and memorization.
Arabic:
لَا إِلٰهَ إِلَّا أَنتَ سُبْحَانَكَ إِنِّي كُنتُ مِنَ الظَّالِمِينَTransliteration:
La ilaha illa Anta, Subhanaka inni kuntu minaz-zaliminTranslation:
“There is no deity but You. Glory be to You! Indeed, I have been among the wrongdoers.”