Yunus was a prophet sent to the town of Nainawa who preached monotheism, but the people rejected his message. When a storm hit his ship, Yunus was thrown overboard and swallowed by a whale. After repenting in the whale's stomach, Yunus was expelled on shore. Meanwhile, a follower gathered the people of Nainawa and convinced them to repent when signs of Allah's punishment appeared. When Yunus returned, he found the people had given up idol worship and accepted his message.

1. Prophet Yunus (‘a)
Prophets of Allah

2. Long ago in the town of Naynawa, there lived a kind
and trustworthy man called Yunus. Yunus (‘a) used to
preach the Oneness of Allah as most of the people in
the town were idol worshippers. Every day, he used to
stand on the pulpit and talk to the people.

3. The people did not like his teachings and made fun of what he said. They would
shout: We and our forefathers have worshipped these gods for many years and noWe and our forefathers have worshipped these gods for many years and no
harm has come to us. Why the sudden change?!harm has come to us. Why the sudden change?! Prophet Yunus (‘a) felt very sad
and complained to Allah.

4. Prophet Yunus warned the people that if they continue in this way, Allah’s
punishment will fall upon them. However, the people did not pay any heed. When he
saw that nobody was listening to him, Yunus (‘a) left the town. He embarked on a
small ship with other passengers.

5. All day long, the ship sailed calmly but when night came, a strong wind
began blowing. The waves rose up as high as mountains then plunged
down like valleys, tossing over the ship and sweeping over the deck. The
captain of the boat suggested that they draw lots as one person had to
jump out.

6. Not once but three times, the name of Prophet
Yunus was cast. Yunus (‘a) was thrown out of
the boat into the big blue sea. He was very
scared.

7. Soon after, a whale appeared and swallowed Yunus (‘a), its ivory teeth closing on him
as if they were white bolts locking the door of his prison. In the darkness of the
whale’s stomach, he cried out to Allah…

8. O my Creator and Nurturer. There is no God but You. You are the Absolute One.
Verily I have been one of the wrong doers.
Al-Quran (21:87)

9. Finally, by the command of Allah, the whale came to the seashore removed Yunus
(‘a) from his belly. His body was inflamed because of the acids inside the stomach
of the whale. The rays of the sun made it worse. Allah caused a bush to grow near
him for protection.

10. When Yunus (‘a) regained his strength, he walked towards NainawaWhen Yunus (‘a) regained his strength, he walked towards Nainawa.

11. Meanwhile, in Nainawa, when the sky began to darken, one of the followers ofMeanwhile, in Nainawa, when the sky began to darken, one of the followers of
Yunus (‘a) gathered the people and spoke sternly to them:Yunus (‘a) gathered the people and spoke sternly to them: This is the punishmentThis is the punishment
of Allah on us. Break your idols now and ask for forgiveness!of Allah on us. Break your idols now and ask for forgiveness! The people realizedThe people realized
their mistake and began to repent.their mistake and began to repent.

12. After sometime, the sky cleared. As the people began to celebrate, Yunus (‘a)
entered the city. They gave him a warm welcome and he was amazed to find out that
they had given up idol-worshipping. He thus spent the rest of his life guiding them
on the right path.
F. T. Jaffer