Deep meaning and benefits of Dua of Prophet Yunus
In moments of despair, the heartfelt dua of Prophet Yunus (AS) stands as a beacon of hope. His plea from the depths of darkness teaches us the profound meaning of reliance on Allah (subhanhu wa ta ala). Here, we explore how this sacred invocation not only saved him but also holds the key to our own struggles. Join us as we delve into the depth of his Dua, uncovering its transformative essence for every believer.
لاَ إِلَهَ إِلاَّ أَنْتَ سُبْحَانَكَ إِنِّي كُنْتُ مِنَ الظَّالِمِينَ
Transliteration : Lā ilāha illā anta subḥānaka innī kuntu minaẓ-ẓālimīn
Translation :There is none worthy of worship except You, Glory to You, Indeed, I have been of the transgressors
It is very important for us to understand the true meaning and purpose of this dua. In times of hardship, a believer (Momin) adopts one of three levels of response:
1. Patience:
This is the fundamental response expected from every believer. It is compulsory to remain patient during trials. To show patience, a Momin says:
إِنَّا لِلّهِ وَإِنَّـا إِلَيْهِ رَاجِعونَ
“Indeed, we belong to Allah, and indeed to Him we will return.”
(Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:156)
This statement reflects the acceptance of Allah’s decree and is a means of showing patience.
2. Patience and Asking forgiveness:
This A higher level of response is not only to have patience but also to recognize that this hardship may be due to one’s own sins. A believer feels guilty and acknowledges that they are responsible for the situation, as a consequence of their own actions. With these feelings of guilt, they turn to Allah and seek His forgiveness. This was the response of Sayyidna Adam (Alayhis-Salam) when he made the following dua:
رَبَّنَا ظَلَمْنَا أَنفُسَنَا وَإِن لَّمْ تَغْفِرْ لَنَا وَتَرْحَمْنَا لَنَكُونَنَّ مِنَ الْخَاسِرِينَ
“Our Lord, we have wronged ourselves, and if You do not forgive us and have mercy upon us, we will surely be among the losers.”(Surah Al-A’raf, 7:23)
3. Patience Asking forgiveness, and praising Allah for His decree:
The highest level of response is exemplified by Sayyidna Yunus (Alayhis-Salam). Not only did he have patience and feelings of guilt, seeking forgiveness, but he also added praise to Allah for His actions. He acknowledged that Allah’s actions were perfect and just, and that he deserved the trial. He praised Allah even in hardship, affirming that Allah is perfect in His actions. Along with this praise, he also sought Allah’s forgiveness, recognizing his own shortcomings. This is reflected in the dua of Sayyidna Yunus (Alayhis-Salam):
لَا إِلَهَ إِلَّا أَنتَ سُبْحَانَكَ إِنِّي كُنتُ مِنَ الظَّالِمِينَ
“There is no deity except You; exalted are You. Indeed, I have been of the wrongdoers.”
(Surah Al-Anbiya, 21:87)This response shows a deep connection with Allah, combining patience, guilt, seeking forgiveness, and praising Allah even in the midst of trials, acknowledging His wisdom and justice.
3. Benfit of Prophet Yunus:
حَدَّثَنَا مُحَمَّدُ بْنُ يَحْيَى، حَدَّثَنَا مُحَمَّدُ بْنُ يُوسُفَ، حَدَّثَنَا يُونُسُ بْنُ أَبِي إِسْحَاقَ، عَنْ إِبْرَاهِيمَ بْنِ مُحَمَّدِ بْنِ سَعْدٍ، عَنْ أَبِيهِ، عَنْ سَعْدٍ، قَالَ قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم “ دَعْوَةُ ذِي النُّونِ إِذْ دَعَا وَهُوَ فِي بَطْنِ الْحُوتِ لاَ إِلَهَ إِلاَّ أَنْتَ سُبْحَانَكَ إِنِّي كُنْتُ مِنَ الظَّالِمِينَ . فَإِنَّهُ لَمْ يَدْعُ بِهَا رَجُلٌ مُسْلِمٌ فِي شَيْءٍ قَطُّ إِلاَّ اسْتَجَابَ اللَّهُ لَهُ
Allah (سبحانه و تعالي)’s dearest Prophet Muhammad (صلي الله عليه وآله وبارك وسلم) said that the supplication of Dhun-Nun (Prophet Yunus) when he supplicated, while in the belly of the whale was: ‘There is none worthy of worship except You, Glory to You, Indeed, I have been of the transgressors. (Lā ilāha illā anta subḥānaka innī kuntu minaẓ-ẓālimīn)’ So indeed, no Muslim man supplicates with it for anything, ever, except Allah responds to him
Also read “Sunnah foods“.
