وَإِنَّ يُونُسَ لَمِنَ ٱلْمُرْسَلِينَ 139
Translations
And indeed, Jonah was among the messengers.
Transliteration
Wa-inna Yunus la-min al-mursalin
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah affirms that Yunus (Jonah) was indeed one of the messengers sent by Allah, establishing his prophetic status and authority. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir emphasize this declaration as a response to those who may have doubted Yunus's prophethood, particularly given the unusual circumstances of his life (being swallowed by the whale). The ayah serves as divine confirmation of his mission and legitimacy among the ranks of the messengers.
Revelation Context
This ayah appears within Surah As-Saffat, a Meccan chapter that enumerates various prophets and their stories to strengthen the conviction of early believers in monotheism and divine messengership. The mention of Yunus here occurs after the story of his trial, contextualizing his prophethood despite his apparent hardship, thus reinforcing to the Meccan believers that true prophethood transcends worldly trials.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said regarding Yunus: 'None should say that I am better than Yunus ibn Matta' (Sahih Bukhari 3408). This hadith reflects the high regard for Prophet Yunus and validates the respect owed to all messengers mentioned in the Quran.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah reminds believers that true prophethood and righteousness are not diminished by hardship or trials faced by the prophets, and that Allah's messengers deserve honor and respect regardless of the extraordinary circumstances of their lives. It teaches us to trust in Allah's chosen servants and to recognize that divine guidance comes through various forms and experiences.