Explore Surah Yunus (Jonah): Text with English Translation its themes, lessons, and story of Prophet Yunus that inspire faith, patience, and repentance.
The Surah Yunus, also known as Surah 10, is a significant chapter in the Qur’an that holds profound meaning and guidance for believers. It serves as a source of wisdom and reflection, offering insight into various aspects of faith and life. Delve into the verses of Surah Yunus to uncover its invaluable teachings and lessons that resonate through time.
Surah 10: Yunus (Jonah): Text With Introduction & Comment
Introduction
Surah Yunus is the 10th chapter of the Holy Qur’an. It contains 109 verses and was revealed in Makkah, making it a Makki surah. The chapter is named after the Prophet Yunus (Jonah, peace be upon him), though his story is only briefly mentioned in verse 98. The focus of the surah is not solely on him, but on the broader themes of divine guidance, human accountability, and the truth of revelation.
Key Themes of Surah Yunus:
- The Reality of Revelation: The surah emphasizes that the Qur’an is a revelation from Allah and not something the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) invented. It responds to the disbelievers’ doubts and demands for miracles with reason and reflection.
- Tawheed (Oneness of God): It strongly affirms that Allah alone is the Creator, Sustainer, and the only One worthy of worship. It criticizes those who associate partners with Him or seek intercessors besides Him.
- Prophethood and Resistance: Like the prophets before him, Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) faced denial and hostility. The surah draws parallels with earlier prophets like Noah and Moses, showing that truth is always met with opposition, but eventually prevails.
- The Fate of Past Nations: The surah mentions the destruction of earlier nations who rejected their prophets, like Pharaoh and his people. It reminds the listeners that worldly power and wealth cannot protect against divine punishment.
- Free Will and Belief: One of the unique messages in this surah is that belief is a personal choice, and Allah does not force anyone to believe. However, true guidance is only possible by Allah’s will and those who use their reason.
- The Story of the People of Yunus: Unlike other destroyed nations, the people of Prophet Yunus are mentioned as an example of hope—they believed in time, and Allah removed their punishment. This shows that sincere repentance is always accepted.
- Final Guidance: The surah ends by advising the Prophet to remain patient and firm, and to follow the revelation, trusting in Allah’s judgment.
Surah Yunus serves as a reminder that while disbelievers may challenge and mock, truth, patience, and sincere belief will always triumph. It also calls readers to reflect on the signs in the universe and in history, and to recognize the mercy, justice, and power of Allah.
Surah 10: Yunus (Jonah): Text
In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.
1. Alif-Lam-Ra. (These are the verses of the Book, full of wisdom and truth.)
2. Is it surprising to people that We have sent a man from among them to warn them: “Give good news to those who believe, that they will have an honored place with their Lord”? But the disbelievers said, “This man is clearly a magician!”
3. Surely your Lord is Allah, who created the heavens and the earth in six days, then rose above the Throne, governing everything. There is no one who can intercede without His permission. That is Allah, your Lord—so worship Him. Will you not reflect?
4. To Him you will all return—that is Allah’s true promise. He begins the creation and then He will repeat it, to reward with justice those who believed and did good deeds. But those who disbelieved will have a drink of boiling water and a painful punishment for what they denied.
5. He is the One who made the sun a shining light and the moon a reflected glow, and determined phases for it, so that you may count the years and keep time. Allah did not create this except in truth. He explains the signs for people who understand.
6. Indeed, in the alternation of night and day, and in all that Allah has created in the heavens and the earth, there are signs for those who are mindful.
7. As for those who are not expecting to meet Us, and are content with this worldly life, and feel secure in it, and those who ignore Our signs—
8. They will have the Fire as their final home, because of what they used to earn.
9. But those who believe and do righteous deeds—their Lord will guide them because of their faith. Rivers will flow beneath them in gardens of bliss.
10. Their prayer there will be: “Glory be to You, O Allah!” Their greeting will be: “Peace!” And the end of their prayer will be: “All praise is for Allah, the Lord of all worlds.”
11. If Allah were to bring punishment upon people as quickly as they wish for good, then their time would be up. But We let those who do not expect to meet Us wander blindly in their rebellion.
12. When hardship touches someone, he calls on Us—whether lying down, sitting, or standing. But when We remove his suffering, he goes on as if he never called Us when it touched him. In this way, the deeds of the wrongdoers are made to look good to them.
13. We destroyed generations before you when they did wrong, though messengers came to them with clear proofs. But they refused to believe. This is how We repay the wicked.
14. Then We made you successors on the earth after them, to see how you would act.
15. When Our clear verses are recited to them, those who do not expect to meet Us say, “Bring a different Quran, or change it.” Say, “It is not for me to change it on my own. I only follow what is revealed to me. If I disobey my Lord, I fear the punishment of a terrible Day.”
16. Say, “If Allah had willed, I would not have recited it to you, nor would you have known anything about it. I lived among you for years before this—don’t you understand?”
17. Who does more wrong than someone who invents a lie about Allah or denies His signs? Surely the wrongdoers will never succeed.
18. They worship beside Allah things that can neither harm nor help them, and they say, “These are our intercessors with Allah.” Say, “Are you telling Allah something He doesn’t know in the heavens or on the earth?” Glory be to Him! He is far above what they associate with Him.
19. All people were once a single community, then they disagreed. And if it were not for a word that had already come from your Lord, their disputes would have been settled immediately.
20. They say, “Why hasn’t a sign been sent to him from his Lord?” Say, “The knowledge of the unseen belongs only to Allah. So wait—I too am waiting with you.”
21. When We let people taste mercy after hardship has touched them, they begin to scheme against Our signs. Say, “Allah is quicker in planning.” Surely, Our messengers (the angels) record everything you plot.
22. He is the One who enables you to travel through land and sea. When you are on ships sailing smoothly with a good wind and they rejoice, a violent wind suddenly strikes, and waves come at them from all sides, and they think they are trapped—then they call upon Allah, sincerely turning to Him alone: “If You save us from this, we will surely be grateful!”
23. But when He saves them, they rebel in the land without right. O people! Your rebellion only harms your own souls. Enjoy the pleasures of this worldly life—but in the end, you will return to Us, and We will inform you of everything you used to do.
24. The life of this world is like rain We send down from the sky. It mixes with the earth’s vegetation, which people and animals consume. But when the earth becomes full of beauty and its people think they are in control, Our command comes—by night or by day— and We turn it into dry stubble, as if it had not flourished the day before. This is how We explain the signs for people who think.
25. Allah invites you to the Home of Peace, and He guides whoever He wills to the Straight Path.
26. To those who do good will be the best reward—and even more. No darkness or shame will cover their faces. They are the people of Paradise. They will live there forever.
27. But those who earn evil—each evil act is matched with its due penalty. Disgrace will cover them. They will have no protector from Allah. It will be as if their faces are covered with patches of night. They are the people of the Fire. They will remain there forever.
28. On the Day We gather them all, We will say to those who associated partners with Allah, “Stay where you are, you and your idols.” Then We will separate them, and their idols will say, “It wasn’t us you used to worship.”
29. “Allah is enough as a witness between us and you. We had no idea that you worshipped us.”
30. There, every soul will face what it did in the past. They will be returned to Allah, their true Master, and whatever they used to invent will disappear from them.
31. Say, “Who gives you provision from the sky and earth? Who controls hearing and sight? Who brings the living out of the dead and the dead out of the living? And who manages all things?” They will say, “Allah.” Say, “Then will you not be mindful?”
32. Such is Allah—your true Lord. So what is left after the truth except misguidance? How can you be turned away?
33. Thus the Word of your Lord has been fulfilled against those who disobey— they will never believe.
34. Say, “Can any of your partners begin creation and then repeat it?” Say, “Allah begins creation, and then repeats it. How are you being misled?”
35. Say, “Is there any of your partners who guides to the truth?” Say,“Allah guides to the truth. Then who is more worthy to be followed— the One who guides to the truth, or someone who cannot even guide unless he is guided? What’s wrong with you? How do you judge?”
36. Most of them follow nothing but assumptions. But guesswork is no substitute for the truth. Allah knows exactly what they do.
37. This Quran could not have been produced by anyone other than Allah. It confirms what came before it and explains the Book in full. There is no doubt—it is from the Lord of the worlds.
38. Or do they say, “He made it up”? Say, “Then produce one chapter like it and call whoever you want besides Allah—if you are truthful.”
39. Instead, they call the truth a lie when it comes to them. But soon the consequences of what they mocked will come back to them.
40. Some among them believe in it, and some do not. But your Lord knows best who are the corrupters.
41. If they call you a liar, then say, “I am accountable for my actions, and you are accountable for yours. You are not responsible for what I do, and I am not responsible for what you do.”
42. Some of them do listen to you, but can you make the deaf hear, especially if they don’t use their minds?
43. Some of them look at you, but can you guide the blind, even if they are not seeing?
44. Surely Allah does not wrong people at all, but it is people who wrong themselves.
45. On the Day He gathers them, it will be as if they had stayed (in this world) no more than an hour of the day. They will recognize one another, but those who denied the meeting with Allah and failed to follow guidance will be the true losers.
46. Whether We show you some of what We promised them, or cause you to die first, they will still return to Us. Then Allah is witness over what they have done.
47. Every community had a messenger. Once their messenger came, justice was served between them fairly, and they were not wronged.
48. They ask, “When will this promise come to pass, if you are telling the truth?”
49. Say, “I have no power to harm or benefit myself, except as Allah wills. Every nation has its appointed time. When their time comes, it cannot be delayed or brought forward, not even by a moment.”
50. Say, “Think about this: if His punishment comes to you at night or during the day, what part of it would the wrongdoers wish to hasten?”
51. Will you believe in it only after it occurs? But it will be said, “Now? When before you tried to rush it?”
52. Then it will be said to the wrongdoers, “Taste the punishment of eternity. Are you being repaid for anything other than what you used to do?”
53. They ask you, “Is it true?” Say, “Yes, by my Lord, it is definitely true, and you cannot escape it.”
54. If every soul that did wrong had everything on earth, it would offer it in ransom. They will hide their regret when they see the punishment. And judgment will be made between them with justice, and they will not be wronged.
55. Surely to Allah belongs everything in the heavens and the earth. His promise is true, but most of them do not understand.
56. He gives life and causes death, and to Him you will all return.
57. O humanity! There has come to you a reminder from your Lord, a healing for what is in the hearts, a guidance and a mercy for the believers.
58. Say, “In the grace of Allah and in His mercy—let them rejoice in that. It is better than what they accumulate.”
59. Say, “Have you considered the provision Allah has sent down for you, and you have made some of it lawful and some unlawful?” Say, “Has Allah given you permission to do that, or are you inventing lies about Allah?”
60. What do those who invent lies about Allah expect will happen to them on the Day of Judgment? Surely, Allah is full of grace toward mankind, but most of them are ungrateful.
61. Whatever you may be doing, and whatever part of the Quran you may be reciting, and whatever work you are engaged in, We are witnesses over you when you are immersed in it. Nothing, not even the weight of a speck of dust, is hidden from your Lord—neither in the earth nor in the sky—nor anything smaller or larger, but it is all recorded in a clear Book.
62. Surely, the friends of Allah will have nothing to fear, nor will they grieve.
63. They are those who believed and were mindful of Allah.
64. For them there is good news in this worldly life and in the Hereafter. There is no changing the words of Allah. That is the ultimate success.
65. Do not let their words sadden you. All power and honor belongs to Allah. He is the All-Hearing, the All-Knowing.
66. Surely, to Allah belongs whoever is in the heavens and whoever is on the earth. And those who call upon others besides Allah are following nothing—they are only following assumptions, and they do nothing but guess.
67. He is the One who made the night for you to rest in and the day bright for you to see. Surely in that are signs for people who listen.
68. They say, “Allah has a child.” Glory be to Him! He is self-sufficient. Everything in the heavens and the earth belongs to Him. You have no proof for such a claim. Are you saying about Allah what you do not know?
69. Say, “Those who invent lies against Allah will never succeed.”
70. They may enjoy a little in this world, but then they will return to Us. Then We will make them taste a severe punishment for their denial.
71. Recite to them the story of Noah. He said to his people, “O my people! If my presence and my reminding you of Allah’s signs is too much for you, then I put my trust in Allah. So gather all your decision-makers and your partners and make your plan clear to each other. Then carry out your plan against me and give me no respite.”
72. “But if you turn away, then I have not asked you for any reward. My reward is only from Allah, and I have been commanded to be among those who submit to Him.”
73. But they denied him, so We saved him and those with him in the Ark, and We made them successors, while We drowned those who denied Our signs. So see what was the end of those who had been warned.
74. Then We sent messengers after him to their people, and they came to them with clear proofs. But they were not willing to believe in what they had already rejected earlier. This is how We seal the hearts of those who go too far.
75. Then We sent Moses and Aaron with Our signs to Pharaoh and his chiefs, but they acted arrogantly and were a wicked people.
76. When the truth came to them from Us, they said, “This is clearly magic.”
77. Moses said, “Do you say this about the truth when it has come to you? Is this magic? But magicians will never succeed.”
78. They said, “Have you come to turn us away from what we found our fathers doing, so that you two may have greatness in the land? We will never believe in you!”
79. Pharaoh said, “Bring me every skilled magician.”
80. When the magicians came, Moses said to them, “Throw down whatever you want to throw.”
81. When they threw, Moses said, “What you have produced is just magic. Allah will surely make it worthless. Allah does not support the work of those who spread corruption.”
82. “And Allah establishes the truth by His words, even if the criminals hate it.”
83. But no one believed in Moses except a few of his own people, out of fear of Pharaoh and his chiefs, lest they persecute them. Pharaoh was indeed a tyrant in the land, and he was among the transgressors.
84. Moses said, “O my people! If you truly believe in Allah, then put your trust in Him—if you are truly Muslims.”
85. They said, “We put our trust in Allah. Our Lord, do not make us a target for the wrongdoing people.”
86. “And save us by Your mercy from the disbelieving people.”
87. And We revealed to Moses and his brother: “Settle your people in houses in Egypt and make your homes places of worship, and establish prayer, and give good news to the believers.”
88. Moses said, “Our Lord, You have given Pharaoh and his chiefs wealth and luxury in this worldly life, and they use it to lead others away from Your path. Our Lord, destroy their wealth and harden their hearts so they will not believe until they see the painful punishment.”
89. Allah said, “Your prayer is answered, so remain steadfast, and do not follow the path of those who do not know.”
90. We brought the Children of Israel across the sea, and Pharaoh and his soldiers pursued them out of arrogance and aggression. But when drowning overtook him, he cried out, “I believe that there is no god but the One whom the Children of Israel believe in, and I am one of the Muslims.”
91. Now? When you had disobeyed before and were among the corrupters?
92. Today, We will preserve your body, so that you may be a sign for those who come after you. But many people are unaware of Our signs.
93. We settled the Children of Israel in a good place and provided them with good things. But they did not differ until knowledge came to them. Surely your Lord will judge between them on the Day of Resurrection concerning their differences.
94. So if you are in doubt about what We have revealed to you, then ask those who read the previous scriptures. The truth has certainly come to you from your Lord, so do not be among the doubters.
95. And do not be among those who deny the signs of Allah, or you will be among the losers.
96. Indeed, those against whom the Word of your Lord has come true will not believe—
97. Even if every sign came to them—until they see the painful punishment.
98. Why was there no town whose people believed and benefited from their belief, except the people of Yunus (Jonah)? When they believed, We lifted from them the punishment of disgrace in this worldly life, and We allowed them enjoyment for a while.
99. Had your Lord willed, everyone on earth would have believed. So would you force people to become believers?
100. No soul can believe without Allah’s permission, and He places a barrier on those who do not use their reason.
101. Say, “Look at what is in the heavens and the earth.” But signs and warnings are of no benefit to people who do not believe.
102. What are they waiting for except the same fate as those who came before them? Say, “Wait, then. I am also waiting with you.”
103. Then We will save Our messengers and those who believed. It is Our duty to save the believers.
104. Say, “O people, if you are in doubt about my religion, then know that I do not worship those you worship besides Allah. I only worship Allah, who will cause you to die. I have been commanded to be among the believers.”
105. “And direct your face entirely toward the religion with pure devotion, and do not be among those who associate others with Allah.”
106. “And do not call upon anything besides Allah that can neither benefit nor harm you. If you do that, then you will surely be among the wrongdoers.”
107. If Allah afflicts you with harm, no one can remove it except Him. And if He wants good for you, no one can stop His grace. He gives it to whoever He wills among His servants. He is the Forgiving, the Merciful.
108. Say, “O people, the truth has come to you from your Lord. So whoever is guided—it is for their own benefit. And whoever goes astray—it is only to their own loss. I am not your guardian.”
109. Follow what is revealed to you, and be patient until Allah passes His judgment. And He is the best of judges. 0 0 0
Comment
Surah Yunus is a profound chapter that deals deeply with the relationship between belief and denial, truth and falsehood, and patience and divine justice. It addresses both intellectual doubts and emotional resistance that people often have toward faith. Through logical arguments, historical examples, and moral teachings, it guides the reader toward a clearer understanding of Islam’s message.
One of the most striking features of this surah is its tone of compassion and persuasion, rather than confrontation. Even when it mentions destruction and punishment, it does so as a warning rooted in care—not to scare people, but to awaken their conscience. The surah invites its readers to think deeply, reflect on the universe, and use their reason to recognize the truth of Allah’s message.
The surah repeatedly affirms that faith cannot be forced. This is especially significant in today’s world, where questions of freedom, personal belief, and religious choice are frequently debated. Surah Yunus affirms that true faith must come from within, and that guidance is a gift from Allah to those who genuinely seek it.
It also emphasizes Allah’s mercy and justice side by side. The story of Prophet Yunus’s people, who were saved when they repented, is a rare and powerful example in the Quran. It shows that change is always possible, even at the last moment, and that Allah responds generously to sincere belief and humility.
For believers today, this surah offers several lessons:
- Remain steadfast in truth, even when others oppose or mock you.
- Do not be disheartened by delay, for Allah’s timing is wise and perfect.
- Keep calling others to faith with patience and wisdom, not with harshness or judgment.
- Recognize the signs of Allah everywhere—in nature, history, and your own heart.
- Never give up hope in Allah’s mercy, no matter how lost someone seems.
In essence, Surah Yunus is a surah of hope, reasoning, warning, and reassurance. It comforts the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) in the face of rejection and, by extension, comforts every believer who holds fast to the truth in difficult times. It reminds us that Allah sees all, knows all, and is the best disposer of all matters. 0 0 0
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Yunus (Jonah): Additional Study
Frequently Asked Questions on Surah Yunus
Q. What is Surah Yunus?
Ans: Surah Yunus is the 10th chapter of the Holy Quran. It is a Meccan surah with 109 verses, focusing on the message of divine guidance, the stories of past prophets, and the importance of faith in Allah.
Q. Why is Surah Yunus named after Prophet Yunus?
Ans: Surah Yunus is named after Prophet Yunus (Jonah) because it briefly mentions his story as a lesson of patience, repentance, and Allah’s mercy upon those who turn back to Him sincerely.
Q. What are the main themes of Surah Yunus?
Ans: The main themes of Surah Yunus include the oneness of Allah, the rejection of false gods, the certainty of the Day of Judgment, the truthfulness of revelation, and the call to reflect on signs of creation.
Q. Is Surah Yunus a Meccan or Medinan surah?
Ans: Surah Yunus is a Meccan surah, revealed in Makkah before the migration of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) to Madinah. Its verses emphasize belief, accountability, and the consequences of denying truth.
Q. How many verses are in Surah Yunus?
Ans: Surah Yunus contains 109 verses, making it one of the medium-length surahs of the Quran.
Q. What lessons can we learn from Surah Yunus?
Ans: Surah Yunus teaches lessons about faith in Allah, trust in divine wisdom, the importance of repentance, and the ultimate triumph of truth over falsehood.
Q. What is the historical context of Surah Yunus?
Ans: Surah Yunus was revealed during a period of opposition faced by the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) in Makkah. It reassured the believers by reminding them of earlier prophets and how truth eventually prevails.
Q. Which prophet’s story is highlighted in Surah Yunus?
Ans: The story of Prophet Yunus (Jonah) is highlighted, reminding us how his people were saved when they sincerely repented to Allah, unlike other nations who rejected their prophets.
Q. Why should we read Surah Yunus?
Ans: Reading Surah Yunus strengthens faith, provides spiritual reassurance, and inspires believers to remain steadfast in times of trial while trusting Allah’s mercy and justice.
Q. How can Surah Yunus be applied in daily life?
Ans: Surah Yunus can be applied in daily life by remembering to stay patient during hardships, turning to Allah in repentance, rejecting false beliefs, and reflecting on the signs of creation that point to Allah’s greatness. 0 0 0
Surah Yunus: A Timeless Call to Faith, Patience, and Mercy
Surah Yunus begins with a call so true,
A guidance from Allah for me and you.
It speaks of the prophets who came with light,
To guide their people from darkness to right.
In Surah Yunus, the lessons are deep,
A treasure of wisdom for hearts to keep.
It shows that truth will always prevail,
Though falsehood rises, it soon will fail.
The story of Yunus shines from within,
A prophet who warned his people of sin.
Surah Yunus tells how they chose the way,
Repentance saved them from ruin that day.
Creation itself speaks clear and bright,
The stars and the rivers, the day and night.
Surah Yunus points to each wondrous sign,
Reminding mankind of the Power Divine.
It teaches patience when trials appear,
To trust in Allah, who is always near.
Surah Yunus guides through struggle and pain,
To seek His mercy, time and again.
The nations of old who turned away,
Fell into ruin, their joy did decay.
But Surah Yunus shows a path to believe,
And mercy for those who in truth perceive.
The believers are firm, their hearts are strong,
They know that false gods can never belong.
Surah Yunus proclaims with a voice so clear,
That only Allah is worthy of fear.
The Quran is truth, a light from above,
A message of mercy, of guidance, of love.
Surah Yunus affirms this noble trust,
To follow its path is righteous and just.
The Day of Judgment is certain to come,
Where deeds will be weighed, and justice done.
Surah Yunus warns of that mighty scene,
Where truth is revealed and all hearts are seen.
No soul can escape, no secret can hide,
Allah is the Judge, the Witness, the Guide.
Surah Yunus tells us to live with care,
For every action will be measured there.
So walk with hope, let faith be your guide,
In Allah’s mercy always confide.
Surah Yunus calls with a gentle tone,
To turn to Allah, for He is One.
And as its verses echo in prayer,
Believers find comfort everywhere.
Surah Yunus remains a timeless light,
A beacon of truth through day and night. 0 0 0
