Ẕū ʾn-Nūn (ذو النون)
Ẕū ʾn-Nūn (ذو النون) - Lit. “Man of the fish.” A title given to the Prophet Jonah in the Islamic tradition, as mentioned in the Qurʾān, Sūrah al-Anbiyā’ (21:87).
Etymology
The term “Ẕū ʾn-Nūn” is derived from Arabic:
- ذو (ẕū): meaning “possessor of” or “one endowed with”
- النون (al-nūn): meaning “the fish”
Arabic: ذو النون
Turkish: Yunus Peygamber (Yûnus bin Mattâ)
Qur’anic Reference
In the Qurʾān, Prophet Jonah (Yunus in Arabic) is referred to as “Ẕū ʾn-Nūn” or “Man of the Fish” due to his famous narrative involving being swallowed by a large fish or whale. Surah al-Anbiyā’ (21:87) states:
<p>“And [mention] the man of the fish, when he went off in anger and thought that We would not decree anything upon him. And he called out within the darkness, “There is no deity except You; exalted are You. Indeed, I have been of the wrongdoers.”</p>
Significance in Islamic Teachings
Prophet Jonah’s story is significant for several reasons:
- Repentance and Mercy: Jonah’s plea for forgiveness from the belly of the whale is a powerful example of the importance of repentance in Islam.
- Divine Compassion: The narrative underlines the boundless mercy and forgiveness of Allah.
- Patience and Perseverance: It illustrates the importance of patience and faith, even in desperate situations.
Suggested Books for Further Studies
- “Stories of the Prophets” by Ibn Kathir
- “The Prophets in the Quran: An Introduction to the Quran and Muslim Exegesis” by Wheeler Brannon M.
- “Encyclopedia of the Qur’an” by Jane Dammen McAuliffe
Takeaways and Conclusion
- “Ẕū ʾn-Nūn” highlights an important Islamic story emphasizing repentance, divine mercy, patience, and unwavering faith.
- Jonah (Yunus) is a revered prophet in Islam, and his narrative provides moral and spiritual lessons for Muslims.
- The term underscores the broader themes of human fallibility and Allah’s endless compassion.
By understanding the significance of Ẕū ʾn-Nūn in Islamic teachings, one gains deeper insights into the values of repentance, patience, and divine forgiveness that are central to the Islamic faith.
