Jonah: Returning from darkness

It is stated that Jonah was also among the messengers. It is recounted that he boarded a full ship and was among the losers in the lots drawn on the ship. Then, he was swallowed by a large fish. The Quran uses an expression that criticizes his attitude prior to this event; the story is not left merely as an extraordinary event that occurred at sea.

The relevant verse in Surah Al-Anbiya describes Jonah's departure in anger and his turning to his Lord amidst the darkness. He declares that there is no god but Allah, holds Him far above all imperfections, and confesses that he was among the wrongdoers. Here, the search for salvation is combined with a prayer that acknowledges responsibility.

Surah As-Saffat emphasizes the importance of remembering and exalting Allah. It is then reported that he was cast upon a bare shore while sick. A plant of the gourd type was caused to grow over him. Following the dark scene comes an image regarding the protection and recovery of a weakened body.

It is recounted that Jonah was sent to a hundred thousand people or more, that they believed, and that they were allowed to enjoy life for a time. Thus, the event is not limited to the scene in the belly of the fish; it continues with the duty of a messenger who turns once again to his community. The species of the fish or the exact time spent inside are not specified in these selected verses.