Darkness within a whale to the light of forgiveness

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Contents

A moment of despair Learning from his experience The path to redemption Action points

The story of Prophet Yūnus (ʿalayhi al-Salām) offers a strong reminder about the transformative power of repentance, forgiveness, and the Mercy of Allah.

In this chapter, we surface from the depths of adversity faced by Yūnus (ʿalayhi al-Salām), not just in the belly of the whale, but in his introspective journey from despair to hope, from darkness to light.

A moment of despair

Prophet Yūnus (ʿalayhi al-Salām) was entrusted with a critical mission: to guide the people of Nineveh away from sin and towards righteousness.

Faced with their constant rejection, he (ʿalayhi al-Salām) became overwhelmed with frustration and despair. Due to this, he left his people whilst he had not yet been discharged of his prophetic duty.

This attempt to flee not only led him to the sea, but also into the belly of a whale, where he found himself engulfed in utter darkness.

Allah (subḥānahu wa ta’āla) says,

“Then be patient for the decision of your Lord, [O Muhammad], and be not like the Companion of the Fish when he called out while he was distressed.” [1]

Allah also states,

“And remember the one [Prophet Yūnus] who fled in anger, thinking that We could not overcome him. And he called out within the darkness,

‘There is no deity [worthy of worship] except You; Exalted are You. Indeed, I have been of the wrongdoers.'” [2]

The above verses not only highlight Yūnus’ ordeal (ʿalayhi al-Salām), but also his crucial realisation and admission of what happened. It really marks the turning point in his journey (ʿalayhi al-Salām).

Learning from his experience

The story of Yūnus (ʿalayhi al-Salām) is a powerful message to our human capacity for self-reflection and positive change.

His time within the whale was, of course, part of his destiny and caused a deep personal transformation. Even in the face of darkness, Yūnus’ sincere repentance and faith in Allah teach us that no matter how deep our despair, the light of forgiveness is always within reach.

Furthermore, we must recognise that guidance is only in the Hands of Allah. We must merely fill that duty by striving to deliver the right guidance.

He (subḥānahu wa ta’āla) says,

“If only there had been a society which believed before seeing the torment and, therefore, benefitted from its belief, like the people of Yūnus.

“When they believed, We lifted from them the torment of disgrace in this world and allowed them enjoyment for a while.” [3]

The path to redemption

Remember and prioritise your duties to Allah, develop your connection to Him, and return to Him in repentance. When you return to Allah, He turns to you even more.

Indeed, as the Messenger ﷺ said,

“Allah says: ‘I am just as My slave thinks I am, (i.e. I am able to do for him what he thinks I can do for him) and I am with him if he remembers Me. If he remembers Me in himself, I, too, remember him in Myself; and if he remembers Me in a group of people, I remember him in a group that is better than they; and if he comes one span nearer to Me, I go one cubit nearer to him; and if he comes one cubit nearer to Me, I go a distance of two outstretched arms nearer to him; and if he comes to Me walking, I go to him running.'” [4]

Likewise, Allah’s response to Yūnus’ plea was swift and merciful (ʿalayhi al-Salām).

The whale released him, and he was forgiven, demonstrating Allah’s boundless mercy and compassion. Yūnus (ʿalayhi al-Salām) thereafter returned to his people, who, in his absence, had seen the error of their ways and turned towards righteousness.

This beautifully illustrates that the path back to Allah’s grace is always open, and His forgiveness is accessible to those who seek it.

Action points

In hardship, reflect on your actions and, like Yūnus, turn towards Allah with sincere repentance.
Remember that no matter what your mistake might be, Allah's mercy is even greater.
When facing trials and uncertainty, try and practise beautiful patience and trust in Allah's plan.