Prophet Jonah, also known as Yunus and by the title Dhan Nun, was sent to the town of Nineveh. About his people, Allah says in the Qur'an: "Was there any town community that believed after seeing the punishment, and its faith at that moment saved it from the punishment? None, except the people of Jonah. When they believed, We removed from them the torment of disgrace in the life of the present world, and permitted them to enjoy life for a while." (Ch 10:98)
Jonah's People
The people of Nineveh were idolaters who lived without shame or restraint. Jonah was sent to call them to the worship of Allah, but they resented his interference in their way of life. They argued that they and their forefathers had worshipped their gods for generations without any harm coming to them.
Jonah Leaves His People
Jonah tried again and again to show them the foolishness of idol worship and the goodness of Allah's guidance, but they ignored him. He warned that Allah's punishment would come if they continued in their ways, but instead of fearing this warning, they told him they were not afraid and dared it to happen. Disheartened, Jonah told them he would leave them to their fate, and he left Nineveh, fearing Allah's anger was about to fall upon them. The Qur'an refers to this moment: "Remember Dhan Nun (Jonah), when he went off in anger, and imagined that We would not punish him." (Ch 21:87)
The People are Forgiven
Soon after Jonah left, the sky changed color and looked as though it were burning. Terrified, the people remembered what had happened to the people of 'Ad, Thamud, and Noah, and feared the same fate awaited them. Faith began to enter their hearts, and they gathered on a mountain, crying out to Allah for mercy and forgiveness. It was a moment of true and sincere repentance, and Allah lifted His punishment from them and restored His blessings. Once the danger had passed, the people prayed for Jonah's return so he could guide them again.
The Storm at Sea
Meanwhile, Jonah had boarded a small ship with other passengers. The journey began calmly, with good winds filling the sails, but when night fell, the sea turned violent. A terrible storm rose, tossing the ship between waves as high as mountains and pits as deep as valleys. Behind the ship, a great whale moved through the water, having been commanded by Allah to rise to the surface and follow. As the storm worsened, the crew began throwing their cargo overboard to lighten the ship, but it was not enough. They realized they would need to lighten the ship further by removing one of the people on board.
Jonah Jumps into the Sea
The captain proposed drawing lots among the travelers, with whoever was chosen being thrown into the sea, a practice common among sailors of that time who believed the sea and wind were ruled by gods that needed to be appeased. Jonah took part in the lot, and his name was drawn. Because he was known as an honorable man, the others were reluctant to throw him overboard, so they drew a second lot. Jonah's name came up again. They tried a third time, and once more his name was chosen. Jonah understood that this was Allah's doing, a consequence of his having left his mission without Allah's permission. Standing at the edge of the ship in the dark, moonless night, with the stars hidden behind heavy cloud, Jonah called out Allah's name and threw himself into the raging sea.
The Whale Swallows Jonah
The whale found Jonah floating on the waves and swallowed him, its great jaws closing over him like a locked door. It then dove down into the depths of the sea. Jonah found himself surrounded by three layers of darkness, the darkness of the whale's stomach, the darkness of the ocean depths, and the darkness of the night itself. At first he believed he had died, but when he realized he could still move, he knew he was alive, trapped within these three layers of darkness. His heart turned to Allah, and he began to say: "La ilaha illa Anta, Glorified and Exalted be You above all that they associate with You. Truly, I have been among the wrongdoers." (Ch 21:87)
Jonah repeated this prayer continuously. The fish, whales, seaweed, and all the creatures of the sea heard his voice glorifying Allah from within the whale's stomach, and they gathered around, each joining in the praise of Allah in their own way. Even the whale itself took part, realizing that it had swallowed a prophet. It felt afraid at first, but then reassured itself, knowing that it had only done what Allah had commanded.
Allah Forgives Jonah
Allah saw the sincerity of Jonah's repentance and heard his prayer from within the whale. He commanded the whale to rise to the surface and carry Jonah to the far side of the ocean, toward warm sun and welcoming land, where it released him onto a remote, deserted shore. Jonah's body was inflamed and raw from the acids inside the whale's stomach, and the sun's heat caused him great pain, though he bore it patiently, continuing to repeat his prayer to Allah. Allah then caused a vine to grow over him for shade and protection, and in time restored his health and forgave him. Allah told Jonah that had it not been for his prayer and repentance, he would have remained inside the whale until the Day of Judgment.
Allah recounts this story in the Qur'an: "And verily, Jonah was one of the Messengers. When he ran to the laden ship, he agreed to cast lots and he was among the losers. Then a big fish swallowed him, and he had done an act worthy of blame. Had he not been of those who glorify Allah, he would have remained inside its belly until the Day of Resurrection. But We cast him forth onto the naked shore while he was sick, and We caused a plant of gourd to grow over him. And We sent him to a hundred thousand people or more, and they believed, so We gave them enjoyment for a while." (Ch 37:139-148)
Jonah's People Have Changed
As Jonah slowly regained his strength, he made his way back to Nineveh. To his surprise, he found the entire population had changed. They came out to welcome him and told him that they had come to believe in Allah. Together, they offered a prayer of thanksgiving to their Merciful Lord.
Prophet Muhammad's Words About Jonah
Ibn Abbas narrated that Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, "One should not say I am better than Jonah Ibn Matta." (Sahih Bukhari)