Jonah

Yunus

Verses

109

Revelation

Makki

Period

Late Makkan

Surah No.

10 / 114

Overview

Surah Yunus is a late Makkan surah that uses the stories of Nuh, Musa, and Yunus (Jonah) to address the persistent rejection of the Quraysh. The surah argues for the Quran's divine origin, critiques the irrationality of polytheism, and emphasises that faith must be sincere and not merely adopted at the moment of calamity. The unique acceptance of Yunus's people is highlighted as an exceptional case of mass repentance being accepted.

أسباب النزول

Occasion of Revelation (Asbab al-Nuzul)

Revealed late in the Makkan period, this surah responded to the Quraysh's demands for the Prophet to produce a different Quran or alter it. Several verses address the accusation that he fabricated the revelation. The narrative of Yunus was particularly relevant because the people of Nineveh believed and were saved, offering hope that the Makkans might similarly turn. The surah was also a response to mockery of the Day of Judgement.

Key Themes

The divine origin of the QuranThe stories of Nuh, Musa, and Yunus as consolationThe futility of polytheism and idol worshipDeathbed repentance is not acceptedAllah's universal sovereignty over creationThe Day of Judgement and accountabilitySincere faith versus superficial belief

Notable Verses

10:62

“Unquestionably, the allies of Allah: there will be no fear concerning them, nor will they grieve.”

This verse defines the friends of Allah (awliya) as those who believed and maintained God-consciousness. It is widely cited in Islamic spirituality as the basis for understanding closeness to Allah.

Virtues of this Surah

Ibn Abbas reported that Al-Hasan and Husayn were ill and the Prophet recited surah Yunus, Hud, and Yusuf as a healing prayer over them.