Timeless narrative of the life of Prophet Yunus (AS) or Jonah as mentioned both in the Quran and the Bible, highlights the universal message of mercy in international relations
Momina Khan
The remarkable and timeless narrative of the life of Prophet Yunus (AS) or Jonah as mentioned both in the Quran and the Bible, highlights the universal message of mercy in international relations. Today, never more than before, a global fraternity rooted in mercy and solidarity, offering inclusive vision is profoundly required as fostering mercy keeps the doors of dialogue open, facilitates strategies of political reconciliation and helps diplomats to actively promote humane policies, thus ensuring peaceful coexistence.
Prophet Yunus (AS) who was sent to the people of Nineveh which tends to be modern-day Iraq, spent considerable time inviting people to the path of truth alongside warning them of a severe punishment from God if they did not repent but in return he faced defiance from the other side. Eventually the disheartened Prophet fled the situation without waiting for God’s explicit permission to leave and later on boarded a ship which was engulfed by a raging storm. The crew of the boat, fearing for their lives decided to draw lots to choose the passenger to be thrown in the sea. The name of Prophet Yunus (AS) was drawn three times and eventually, he soon found himself struggling in the treacherous ocean. In the rough sea, he was swallowed by the whale and inside the belly of the fish, surrounded by darkness he pondered over his actions. He realized his mistake and invoked God and was forgiven after his sincere repentance. Being inside the big fish was an integral part of the Prophet’s spiritual journey and while he was engulfed in layers of darkness, he recited the prayer for forgiveness which reads, “There is no deity except You; exalted are You. Indeed, I have been among the wrongdoers.”
Meanwhile, the people of Nineveh renounced their sinful behaviour and collectively asked God for forgiveness. Prophet Yunus (AS) returned to Nineveh, only to find out that the people had repented and were spared. Instead of tasting God’s wrath they tasted his mercy, thus making the prophet’s mission successful.
Read: The ‘diplomacy of mercy’ that keeps the door of dialogue open
The story of Prophet Yunus (AS)not only focuses on profound leadership insights but also reflects upon the central message of universal mercy in international diplomacy. Although initially Prophet Yunus (AS) left his people in haste and abandoned his otherwise challenging leadership task but was at last brought back by divine intervention, thus reinstating the fact that “prophetic calling” is inescapable. The story also reflects on the divinely appointed leader’s pain, especially in the times of crisis when he was rejected by his own people. The narrative of Prophet Yunus (AS) accentuates the insightful lesson of practicing patience as a leader when faced with rejection and in due course transforming it into a powerful tool for growth.
The deep spiritual connection formed after experiencing the time of solitude in the belly of the whale made the Prophet contemplate and later on appreciate God’s mercy eventually realizing that true leadership is measured by patience and compassion. God’s mercy followed him when he was about to drown in the storm and a fish was appointed in due course to swallow him, finally releasing him safely on the shore. A plant later on grew over the Prophet, providing food and shade. God’s continued compassion instilled the emotion of sympathetic pity in his heart and prepared him to resume the challenging task of a Prophet and a leader.
Similarly, the wholehearted repentance and collective prayer of the people of Nineveh resulted in salvaging their otherwise hopeless situation and averting divine wrath. The Quranic verse that mentions the mercy granted to the people of Nineveh reads,
“Did it ever happen that the people of a town believed on seeing God’s chastisement and it’s believing profited them?(There is no such instance)except of the people of Yunus. When they believed We granted them reprieve from humiliating chastisement in this world, and We let them enjoy themselves for a while.”(10:98) Quran
The story of Prophet Yunus (AS) deeply reflects upon the central message of mercy in international politics which facilitates a compassionate diplomatic approach and is imperative in building bridges of trust, thereby ensuring durable peace. It also lays emphasis on God’s attribute of bringing salvation to rebellious people, simultaneously offering guidelines for effective policy making that focuses on patience, compassion and reconciliation.
This brings to mind the hadith of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) mentioned in Sahih al Bukhari, where he states,
“When Allah completed the creation, He wrote in His book with Him upon the Throne: Verily, My mercy prevails over My wrath.”
Read: Diplomatic Wisdom in Treaty of Hudaybiyyah
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The writer is a freelance journalist focusing on politics, international relations and tourism.
