|
YUNUS (JONAH)
Total Verses: 109
Revealed At: Makka
Name
The surah takes its name from V. 98, in which there is a reference to Prophet Yunus (Jonah). The
name, as usual, is symbolical and does not indicate that the surah deals with the story of Prophet
Jonah.
Period of Revelation
We learn from traditions, and this is supported by the contents of the surah itself, that the whole
of this surah was revealed at Makkah. But there are some people who are of the opinion, that
some of its verses were revealed at Al-Madinah. This is, however, a superficial view. The continuity
of the theme clearly shows that this does not comprise isolated verses or discourses that were
revealed at different times and on different occasions. On the contrary, it is, from the beginning to
the end, a closely connected discourse which must have been revealed at one sitting. Besides this,
the nature of its theme is itself a clear proof that the surah belongs to the Makkan period.
Time of Revelation
We have no tradition in regard to the time of it's revelation, but its subject matter gives clear
indication that it must have been revealed during the last stage of the Holy Prophet's residence at
Makkah. For the mode of the discourse suggests that at the time of its revelation, the antagonism
of the opponents of the Message had become so intense that they could not tolerate even the
presence of the Holy Prophet and his followers among themselves, and that things had come to
such a pass as to leave no hope that they would ever understand and accept the Message of the
Prophet. This indicates that the last stage of the Prophet's life among thee people had come, and
the final warning like the one in this surah had to be given. These characteristics of the discourse
are clear proof that it was revealed during the last stage of the Movement at Makkah. Another
thing that determines more specifically the order of the surahs of the last stage at Makkah is the
mention (or absence) of some open or covert hint about Hijrat (Emigration) from Makkah. As this
surah does not contain any hint whatsoever about this, it is a proof that it preceded those surahs
which contain it. Now that we have specified the time of its revelation, there is no need of repeating its historical background because that has already been stated in surahs VI and VII.
Subject
This discourse deals with the invitation to the Message, admonition and warning. In the very
introductory verses, the invitation has been extended like this: "The people consider it a strange
thing that this Message is being conveyed by a human being and charge him with sorcery, whereas
there is nothing strange in it nor has it any connection with sorcery or soothsaying. It simply
informs you of two realities. First, Allah, Who has created the universe and manages it, is, in fact,
your Master and Lord, and He alone is entitled to your worship. The second reality is that after the
life in this world, there will be another life in the Next World, where you shall have to render full
account of the life of this world and be rewarded or punished according to whether you adopted
the righteous attitude as required by Him after acknowledging Him as your Master or acted against
His will. Both of these realities, which the Messenger is presenting before you, are 'realities' in
themselves whether you acknowledge them as such or not. He is inviting you to accept these and
regulate your lives in accordance with them; if you accept these, you will have a very blessed end;
otherwise join shall meet with evil consequences."
In the name of Allah, the Compassionate, the Merciful.
010.001
A.L.R. These are the ayats of the Book of Wisdom.
010.002
Is it a matter of wonderment to men that We have sent Our
inspiration to a man from among themselves?- that he should warn mankind
(of their danger), and give the good news to the Believers that they have
before their Lord the lofty rank of truth. (But) say the Unbelievers: "This
is indeed an evident sorcerer!"
010.003
Verily your Lord is Allah, who created the heavens and the earth
in six days, and is firmly established on the throne (of authority),
regulating and governing all things. No intercessor (can plead with Him)
except after His leave (hath been obtained). This is Allah your Lord; Him
therefore serve ye: will ye not receive admonition?
010.004
To Him will be your return- of all of you. The promise of Allah
is true and sure. It is He Who beginneth the process of creation, and
repeateth it, that He may reward with justice those who believe and work
righteousness; but those who reject Him will have draughts of boiling
fluids, and a penalty grievous, because they did reject Him.
010.005
It is He Who made the sun to be a shining glory and the moon
to be a light (of beauty), and measured out stages for her; that ye might
know the number of years and the count (of time). Nowise did Allah create
this but in truth and righteousness. (Thus) doth He explain His Signs in
detail, for those who understand.
010.006
Verily, in the alternation of the night and the day, and in
all that Allah hath created, in the heavens and the earth, are signs for
those who fear Him.
010.007
Those who rest not their hope on their meeting with Us, but
are pleased and satisfied with the life of the present, and those who heed
not Our Signs,-
010.008
Their abode is the Fire, because of the (evil) they earned.
010.009
Those who believe, and work righteousness,- their Lord will
guide them because of their faith: beneath them will flow rivers in gardens
of bliss.
010.010
(This will be) their cry therein: "Glory to Thee, O Allah!" And
"Peace" will be their greeting therein! and the close of their cry will be:
"Praise be to Allah, the Cherisher and Sustainer of the worlds!"
010.011
If Allah were to hasten for men the ill (they have earned) as
they would fain hasten on the good,- then would their respite be settled at
once. But We leave those who rest not their hope on their meeting with Us,
in their trespasses, wandering in distraction to and fro.
010.012
When trouble toucheth a man, He crieth unto Us (in all
postures)- lying down on his side, or sitting, or standing. But when We
have solved his trouble, he passeth on his way as if he had never cried to
Us for a trouble that touched him! thus do the deeds of transgressors seem
fair in their eyes!
010.013
Generations before you We destroyed when they did wrong: their
messengers came to them with clear-signs, but they would not believe! thus do
We requite those who sin!
010.014
Then We made you heirs in the land after them, to see how ye
would behave!
010.015
But when Our Clear Signs are rehearsed unto them, those who
rest not their hope on their meeting with Us, Say: "Bring us a reading
other than this, or change this," Say: "It is not for me, of my own accord,
to change it: I follow naught but what is revealed unto me: if I were to
disobey my Lord, I should myself fear the penalty of a Great Day (to
come)."
010.016
Say: "If Allah had so willed, I should not have rehearsed it to
you, nor would He have made it known to you. A whole life-time before this
have I tarried amongst you: will ye not then understand?"
010.017
Who doth more wrong than such as forge a lie against Allah, or
deny His Signs? But never will prosper those who sin.
010.018
They serve, besides Allah, things that hurt them not nor profit
them, and they say: "These are our intercessors with Allah." Say: "Do ye
indeed inform Allah of something He knows not, in the heavens or on earth?-
Glory to Him! and far is He above the partners they ascribe (to Him)!"
010.019
Mankind was but one nation, but differed (later). Had it not
been for a word that went forth before from thy Lord, their differences
would have been settled between them.
010.020
They say: "Why is not a sign sent down to him from his Lord?"
Say: "The Unseen is only for Allah (to know), then wait ye: I too will wait
with you."
010.021
When We make mankind taste of some mercy after adversity hath
touched them, behold! they take to plotting against Our Signs! Say:
"Swifter to plan is Allah!" Verily, Our messengers record all the plots that
ye make!
010.022
He it is Who enableth you to traverse through land and sea; so
that ye even board ships;- they sail with them with a favourable wind, and
they rejoice thereat; then comes a stormy wind and the waves come to them
from all sides, and they think they are being overwhelmed: they cry unto
Allah, sincerely offering (their) duty unto Him saying, "If thou dost deliver
us from this, we shall truly show our gratitude!"
010.023
But when he delivereth them, behold! they transgress
insolently through the earth in defiance of right! O mankind! your
insolence is against your own souls,- an enjoyment of the life of the
present: in the end, to Us is your return, and We shall show you the truth
of all that ye did.
010.024
The likeness of the life of the present is as the rain which
We send down from the skies: by its mingling arises the produce of the
earth- which provides food for men and animals: (It grows) till the earth
is clad with its golden ornaments and is decked out (in beauty): the
people to whom it belongs think they have all powers of disposal over it:
There reaches it Our command by night or by day, and We make it like a
harvest clean-mown, as if it had not flourished only the day before! thus
do We explain the Signs in detail for those who reflect.
010.025
But Allah doth call to the Home of Peace: He doth guide whom He
pleaseth to a way that is straight.
010.026
To those who do right is a goodly (reward)- Yea, more (than in
measure)! No darkness nor shame shall cover their faces! they are
companions of the garden; they will abide therein (for aye)!
010.027
But those who have earned evil will have a reward of like
evil: ignominy will cover their (faces): No defender will they have from
(the wrath of) Allah: Their faces will be covered, as it were, with pieces
from the depth of the darkness of night: they are companions of the Fire:
they will abide therein (for aye)!
010.028
One day shall We gather them all together. Then shall We say
to those who joined gods (with Us): "To your place! ye and those ye joined
as 'partners' We shall separate them, and their "Partners" shall say: "It
was not us that ye worshipped!
010.029
"Enough is Allah for a witness between us and you: we certainly
knew nothing of your worship of us!"
010.030
There will every soul prove (the fruits of) the deeds it sent
before: they will be brought back to Allah their rightful Lord, and their
invented falsehoods will leave them in the lurch.
010.031
Say: "Who is it that sustains you (in life) from the sky and
from the earth? or who is it that has power over hearing and sight? And who
is it that brings out the living from the dead and the dead from the
living? and who is it that rules and regulates all affairs?" They will soon
say, "Allah". Say, "will ye not then show piety (to Him)?"
010.032
Such is Allah, your real Cherisher and Sustainer: apart from
truth, what (remains) but error? How then are ye turned away?
010.033
Thus is the word of thy Lord proved true against those who
rebel: Verily they will not believe.
010.034
Say: "Of your 'partners', can any originate creation and
repeat it?" Say: "It is Allah Who originates creation and repeats it: then
how are ye deluded away (from the truth)?"
010.035
Say: "Of your 'partners' is there any that can give any
guidance towards truth?" Say: "It is Allah Who gives guidance towards truth,
is then He Who gives guidance to truth more worthy to be followed, or he
who finds not guidance (himself) unless he is guided? what then is the
matter with you? How judge ye?"
010.036
But most of them follow nothing but fancy: truly fancy can be
of no avail against truth. Verily Allah is well aware of all that they do.
010.037
This Qur'an is not such as can be produced by other than Allah;
on the contrary it is a confirmation of (revelations) that went before it,
and a fuller explanation of the Book - wherein there is no doubt - from the
Lord of the worlds.
010.038
Or do they say, "He forged it"? say: "Bring then a Sura like
unto it, and call (to your aid) anyone you can besides Allah, if it be ye
speak the truth!"
010.039
Nay, they charge with falsehood that whose knowledge they
cannot compass, even before the elucidation thereof hath reached them: thus
did those before them make charges of falsehood: but see what was the end
of those who did wrong!
010.040
Of them there are some who believe therein, and some who do
not: and thy Lord knoweth best those who are out for mischief.
010.041
If they charge thee with falsehood, say: "My work to me, and
yours to you! ye are free from responsibility for what I do, and I for what
ye do!"
010.042
Among them are some who (pretend to) listen to thee: But canst
thou make the deaf to hear,- even though they are without understanding?
010.043
And among them are some who look at thee: but canst thou
guide the blind,- even though they will not see?
010.044
Verily Allah will not deal unjustly with man in aught: It is man
that wrongs his own soul.
010.045
One day He will gather them together: (It will be) as if they
had tarried but an hour of a day: they will recognise each other:
assuredly those will be lost who denied the meeting with Allah and refused to
receive true guidance.
010.046
Whether We show thee (realised in thy life-time) some part of
what We promise them,- or We take thy soul (to Our Mercy) (Before that),-
in any case, to Us is their return: ultimately Allah is witness, to all that
they do.
010.047
To every people (was sent) a messenger: when their messenger
comes (before them), the matter will be judged between them with justice,
and they will not be wronged.
010.048
They say: "When will this promise come to pass,- if ye speak
the truth?"
010.049
Say: "I have no power over any harm or profit to myself except
as Allah willeth. To every people is a term appointed: when their term is
reached, not an hour can they cause delay, nor (an hour) can they advance
(it in anticipation)."
010.050
Say: "Do ye see,- if His punishment should come to you by
night or by day,- what portion of it would the sinners wish to hasten?
010.051
"Would ye then believe in it at last, when it actually cometh
to pass? (It will then be said): 'Ah! now? and ye wanted (aforetime) to
hasten it on!'
010.052
"At length will be said to the wrong-doers: 'Taste ye the
enduring punishment! ye get but the recompense of what ye earned!'"
010.053
They seek to be informed by thee: "Is that true?" Say: "Aye!
by my Lord! it is the very truth! and ye cannot frustrate it!"
010.054
Every soul that hath sinned, if it possessed all that is on
earth, would fain give it in ransom: They would declare (their) repentance
when they see the penalty: but the judgment between them will be with
justice, and no wrong will be done unto them.
010.055
Is it not (the case) that to Allah belongeth whatever is in the
heavens and on earth? Is it not (the case) that Allah's promise is assuredly
true? Yet most of them understand not.
010.056
It is He Who giveth life and who taketh it, and to Him shall
ye all be brought back.
010.057
O mankind! there hath come to you a direction from your Lord
and a healing for the (diseases) in your hearts,- and for those who
believe, a guidance and a Mercy.
010.058
Say: "In the bounty of Allah. And in His Mercy,- in that let
them rejoice": that is better than the (wealth) they hoard.
010.059
Say: "See ye what things Allah hath sent down to you for
sustenance? Yet ye hold forbidden some things thereof and (some things)
lawful." Say: "Hath Allah indeed permitted you, or do ye invent (things) to
attribute to Allah?"
010.060
And what think those who invent lies against Allah, of the Day
of Judgment? Verily Allah is full of bounty to mankind, but most of them are
ungrateful.
010.061
In whatever business thou mayest be, and whatever portion thou
mayest be reciting from the Qur'an,- and whatever deed ye (mankind) may be
doing,- We are witnesses thereof when ye are deeply engrossed therein. Nor
is hidden from thy Lord (so much as) the weight of an atom on the earth or
in heaven. And not the least and not the greatest of these things but are
recorded in a clear record.
010.062
Behold! verily on the friends of Allah there is no fear, nor
shall they grieve;
010.063
Those who believe and (constantly) guard against evil;-
010.064
For them are glad tidings, in the life of the present and in
the Hereafter; no change can there be in the words of Allah. This is indeed
the supreme felicity.
010.065
Let not their speech grieve thee: for all power and honour
belong to Allah: It is He Who heareth and knoweth (all things).
010.066
Behold! verily to Allah belong all creatures, in the heavens and
on earth. What do they follow who worship as His "partners" other than Allah?
They follow nothing but fancy, and they do nothing but lie.
010.067
He it is That hath made you the night that ye may rest
therein, and the day to make things visible (to you). Verily in this are
signs for those who listen (to His Message).
010.068
They say: "Allah hath begotten a son!" - Glory be to Him! He is
self-sufficient! His are all things in the heavens and on earth! No warrant
have ye for this! say ye about Allah what ye know not?
010.069
Say: "Those who invent a lie against Allah will never prosper."
010.070
A little enjoyment in this world!- and then, to Us will be
their return, then shall We make them taste the severest penalty for their
blasphemies.
010.071
Relate to them the story of Noah. Behold! he said to his
people: "O my people, if it be hard on your (mind) that I should stay (with
you) and commemorate the signs of Allah,- yet I put my trust in Allah. Get ye
then an agreement about your plan and among your partners, so your plan be
on to you dark and dubious. Then pass your sentence on me, and give me no
respite.
010.072
"But if ye turn back, (consider): no reward have I asked of
you: my reward is only due from Allah, and I have been commanded to be of
those who submit to Allah's will (in Islam)."
010.073
They rejected Him, but We delivered him, and those with him,
in the Ark, and We made them inherit (the earth), while We overwhelmed in
the flood those who rejected Our Signs. Then see what was the end of those
who were warned (but heeded not)!
010.074
Then after him We sent (many) messengers to their peoples: they
brought them Clear Signs, but they would not believe what they had already
rejected beforehand. Thus do We seal the hearts of the transgressors.
010.075
Then after them sent We Moses and Aaron to Pharaoh and his
chiefs with Our Signs. But they were arrogant: they were a people in sin.
010.076
When the Truth did come to them from Us, they said: "This is
indeed evident sorcery!"
010.077
Said Moses: "Say ye (this) about the truth when it hath
(actually) reached you? Is sorcery (like) this? But sorcerers will not prosper."
010.078
They said: "Hast thou come to us to turn us away from the ways
we found our fathers following,- in order that thou and thy brother may
have greatness in the land? But not we shall believe in you!"
010.079
Said Pharaoh: "Bring me every sorcerer well versed."
010.080
When the sorcerers came, Moses said to them: "Throw ye what ye
(wish) to throw!"
010.081
When they had had their throw, Moses said: "What ye have
brought is sorcery: Allah will surely make it of no effect: for Allah
prospereth not the work of those who make mischief.
010.082
"And Allah by His words doth prove and establish His truth,
however much the sinners may hate it!"
010.083
But none believed in Moses except some children of his people,
because of the fear of Pharaoh and his chiefs, lest they should persecute
them; and certainly Pharaoh was mighty on the earth and one who
transgressed all bounds.
010.084
Moses said: "O my people! If ye do (really) believe in Allah,
then in Him put your trust if ye submit (your will to His)."
010.085
They said: "In Allah do we put out trust. Our Lord! make us not
a trial for those who practise oppression;
010.086
"And deliver us by Thy Mercy from those who reject (Thee)."
010.087
We inspired Moses and his brother with this Message: "Provide
dwellings for your people in Egypt, make your dwellings into places of
worship, and establish regular prayers: and give glad tidings to those who
believe!"
010.088
Moses prayed: "Our Lord! Thou hast indeed bestowed on Pharaoh
and his chiefs splendour and wealth in the life of the present, and so, Our
Lord, they mislead (men) from Thy Path. Deface, our Lord, the features of
their wealth, and send hardness to their hearts, so they will not believe
until they see the grievous penalty."
010.089
Allah said: "Accepted is your prayer (O Moses and Aaron)! So
stand ye straight, and follow not the path of those who know not."
010.090
We took the Children of Israel across the sea: Pharaoh and his
hosts followed them in insolence and spite. At length, when overwhelmed
with the flood, he said: "I believe that there is no god except Him Whom
the Children of Israel believe in: I am of those who submit (to Allah in
Islam)."
010.091
(It was said to him): "Ah now!- But a little while before,
wast thou in rebellion!- and thou didst mischief (and violence)!
010.092
"This day shall We save thee in the body, that thou mayest be
a sign to those who come after thee! but verily, many among mankind are
heedless of Our Signs!"
010.093
We settled the Children of Israel in a beautiful
dwelling-place, and provided for them sustenance of the best: it was after
knowledge had been granted to them, that they fell into schisms. Verily Allah
will judge between them as to the schisms amongst them, on the Day of Judgment.
010.094
If thou wert in doubt as to what We have revealed unto thee,
then ask those who have been reading the Book from before thee: the Truth
hath indeed come to thee from thy Lord: so be in no wise of those in doubt.
010.095
Nor be of those who reject the signs of Allah, or thou shalt be
of those who perish.
010.096
Those against whom the word of thy Lord hath been verified
would not believe-
010.097
Even if every Sign was brought unto them,- until they see (for
themselves) the penalty grievous.
010.098
Why was there not a single township (among those We warned),
which believed,- so its faith should have profited it,- except the people
of Jonah? When they believed, We removed from them the penalty of ignominy
in the life of the present, and permitted them to enjoy (their life) for a while.
010.099
If it had been thy Lord's will, they would all have believed,-
all who are on earth! wilt thou then compel mankind, against their will, to
believe!
010.100
No soul can believe, except by the will of Allah, and He will
place doubt (or obscurity) on those who will not understand.
010.101
Say: "Behold all that is in the heavens and on earth"; but
neither Signs nor Warners profit those who believe not.
010.102
Do they then expect (any thing) but (what happened in) the
days of the men who passed away before them? Say: "Wait ye then: for I,
too, will wait with you."
010.103
In the end We deliver Our messengers and those who believe: Thus
is it fitting on Our part that We should deliver those who believe!
010.104
Say: "O ye men! If ye are in doubt as to my religion,
(behold!) I worship not what ye worship, other than Allah! But I worship Allah
- Who will take your souls (at death): I am commanded to be (in the ranks)
of the Believers,
010.105
"And further (thus): 'set thy face towards religion with true
piety, and never in any wise be of the Unbelievers;
010.106
"'Nor call on any, other than Allah;- Such will neither profit
thee nor hurt thee: if thou dost, behold! thou shalt certainly be of those
who do wrong.'"
010.107
If Allah do touch thee with hurt, there is none can remove it
but He: if He do design some benefit for thee, there is none can keep back
His favour: He causeth it to reach whomsoever of His servants He pleaseth.
And He is the Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.
010.108
Say: "O ye men! Now Truth hath reached you from your Lord!
those who receive guidance, do so for the good of their own souls; those
who stray, do so to their own loss: and I am not (set) over you to arrange
your affairs."
010.109
Follow thou the inspiration sent unto thee, and be patient and
constant, till Allah do decide: for He is the best to decide.
|
