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10. Yunus
Name
The Sura 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 Sura
deals with the story of Prophet Jonah.
Period of Revelation
We learn from traditions and this is supported by the contents of
the Sura itself that the whole of this Sura 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 Sura 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 Sura 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 Suras of the last stage at Makkah is
the mention (or absence) of some open or covert hint about Hijrat (Emigration) from
Makkah. As this Sura does not contain any hint whatsoever about this it is a proof that it
preceded those suras 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 Suras 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 sooth saying. 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 acknowleding Him as your Masters 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."
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