Prophet Yunus (peace be upon him) was sent by Allah to guide the people of Nineveh, a city whose people had turned away from Allah. Prophet Yunus tried hard to teach them to worship Allah alone, but they refused to listen and continued doing wrong things. Feeling frustrated, Yunus left the city without Allah’s permission, hoping that Allah would soon punish the people.

While traveling on a ship, a terrible storm hit, and the people on board feared the ship would sink. They decided to throw someone overboard to lighten the load, and the lot fell on Yunus. He was thrown into the sea, where a huge whale swallowed him whole.

Inside the dark belly of the whale, Yunus realized his mistake. He prayed to Allah with a heartfelt dua:

لَا إِلَٰهَ إِلَّا أَنْتَ سُبْحَانَكَ إِنِّي كُنْتُ مِنَ الظَّالِمِينَ

laaa ilaaha illaaa Anta Subhaanaka innee kuntu minaz zaalimeen

“There is no god except You. Glory be to You! I have certainly done wrong.” (Quran 21:87)

This dua showed his deep regret and recognition of Allah’s greatness. Allah accepted his repentance, forgave him, and caused the whale to release Yunus safely onto shore. Yunus then returned to his people, who had since turned to Allah, and they welcomed him back.

The story of Prophet Yunus teaches us that even when we make mistakes, turning to Allah sincerely can bring us forgiveness and mercy.