Prophet Yunus (Jonah in English), peace be upon him, is one of the messengers named in the Qur’an. His story is short but unforgettable: a prophet who left his people, was swallowed by a great fish, and called out to Allah from the darkness with words Muslims still repeat today. This guide tells the story of Prophet Yunus as the Qur’an describes it, explains his famous supplication with its authentic source, and draws out lessons for everyday life.
Who Was Prophet Yunus?
“And indeed, Jonah was among the messengers.”
— Qur’an 37:139, Saheeh International
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ referred to him as “Jonah (i.e. Yunus) bin Matta”, and the narrator notes that he “mentioned his father Matta” (Sahih al-Bukhari 3395; Sunnah.com does not display a separate grading for this collection). The Qur’an also calls him Dhun-Nun and “the companion of the fish”, because of what happened to him at sea.
“And We sent him to [his people of] a hundred thousand or more.”
— Qur’an 37:147, Saheeh International
Muslim scholars commonly identify his people with the city of Nineveh, near present-day Mosul in Iraq.
The Story of Prophet Yunus in the Qur’an
The Qur’an mentions Prophet Yunus in several surahs, including Surah Yunus (10), Al-Anbiya (21), As-Saffat (37) and Al-Qalam (68). The main events can be summarised from these passages:
Leaving His People
Yunus called his people to worship Allah alone. The Qur’an describes him going off in anger (21:87). He boarded a laden ship, and lots were drawn; he was among those who lost and was cast into the sea (37:140–141).
Swallowed by the Fish
“Then the fish swallowed him, while he was blameworthy.”
— Qur’an 37:142, Saheeh International
“And had he not been of those who exalt Allāh, He would have remained inside its belly until the Day they are resurrected.”
— Qur’an 37:143–144, Saheeh International
The Dua of Prophet Yunus
In the darkness, Yunus called out to Allah with words recorded in Qur’an 21:87: “There is no deity except You; exalted are You. Indeed, I have been of the wrongdoers.” Allah then says:
“So We responded to him and saved him from the distress. And thus do We save the believers.”
— Qur’an 21:88, Saheeh International
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ taught Muslims to use the same words:
“The supplication of Dhun-Nun (Prophet Yunus) when he supplicated, while in the belly of the whale was: ‘There is none worthy of worship except You, Glory to You, Indeed, I have been of the transgressors. (Lā ilāha illā anta subḥānaka innī kuntu minaẓ-ẓālimīn)’ So indeed, no Muslim man supplicates with it for anything, ever, except Allah responds to him.”
— Jami` at-Tirmidhi 3505, graded Sahih (Darussalam) on Sunnah.com
The supplication brings together three things: affirming that there is no god but Allah, declaring Him free of every imperfection, and honestly admitting one’s own wrongdoing.
Rescue, and a City That Believed
Yunus was cast onto open land, and a plant was caused to grow over him (37:145–146). His people, meanwhile, came to believe:
“Then has there not been a [single] city that believed so its faith benefited it except the people of Jonah? When they believed, We removed from them the punishment of disgrace in worldly life and gave them enjoyment [i.e., provision] for a time.”
— Qur’an 10:98, Saheeh International
Lessons from the Story of Prophet Yunus
Patience in Calling to Good
Allah told the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ:
“Then be patient for the decision of your Lord, [O Muḥammad], and be not like the companion of the fish [i.e., Jonah] when he called out while he was distressed.”
— Qur’an 68:48, Saheeh International
Editorial reflection. Doing what is right can feel fruitless for a long time. The story encourages patience rather than giving up. Our guide to practising Sabr explores this further.
No Darkness Is Beyond Allah’s Reach
Yunus called out to Allah from the darkness inside the fish (21:87), and his supplication was heard. For anyone who feels far from Allah, the story is a reminder that sincere du’a is always possible.
Honest Repentance
The words “Indeed, I have been of the wrongdoers” contain no excuses. Repentance in Islam begins with honest acknowledgement, followed by turning back to Allah.
Hope for Communities
The people of Yunus are the one city the Qur’an singles out as believing in time for their faith to benefit them (10:98). Change is possible, for individuals and for whole communities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Prophet Yunus mentioned in the Qur’an?
His story appears in Surah Yunus (10:98), Al-Anbiya (21:87–88), As-Saffat (37:139–148) and Al-Qalam (68:48–50). He is also named among the prophets in 4:163 and 6:86.
What is the dua of Prophet Yunus?
Lā ilāha illā anta subḥānaka innī kuntu minaẓ-ẓālimīn: “There is no deity except You; exalted are You. Indeed, I have been of the wrongdoers” (Qur’an 21:87). Its virtue is described in Jami` at-Tirmidhi 3505, quoted above.
How long was Yunus inside the fish?
The Qur’an does not state the length of time, and we have not included a figure because we could not verify one from the Qur’an or an authentic hadith.
The Dua of Yunus as Wall Art
Many families keep this supplication on the wall as a daily reminder. Our Dua of Yunus (La Ilaha Illa Anta) design is an instant digital download supplied as high-resolution JPEG files for printing at home or at a local print shop; no physical item is shipped. Custom designs can be requested. For more stories, read 12 miracles in the Quran.
