ẔŪ ʾN-NŪN (ذو النون): The Man of the Fish 🐋
Comprehensive Definition
ẔŪ ʾN-NŪN, literally meaning “The Man of the Fish,” is an honorific title attributed to the Prophet Jonah (Yūnus). This term appears in the Qurʾān (Sūrah xxi. 87) and is central to his narrative as a prophetic figure swallowed by a giant fish.
Etymology and Background
The Arabic phrase “ẔŪ ʾN-NŪN” originates from:
- Ẕū (ذو) meaning “possessor” or “having”
- Nūn (نون) meaning “fish”
This title is inspired by the dramatic episode where Jonah is swallowed by a great fish or whale, emphasizing his unique prophetic story.
Cultural Significance
The story of Jonah, or Yūnus in Arabic, spans multiple cultures and religions:
- In Islam: Jonah’s encounter with the fish is a profound symbolic tale about obedience, repentance, and Divine mercy.
- In Christianity and Judaism: Jonah appears in both the Old Testament (Book of Jonah) and highlights themes of prophecy and redemption.
Despite the shared tale, Islamic texts focus more on the aspect of Divine mercy and Jonah’s repentance.
Synonyms and Antonyms
- Synonyms:
- Jonah (يونس)
- Man of the Whale
- Antonyms:
- There are no direct antonyms but could be seen as figures acting against Divine directives like the Biblical figure of Pharaoh.
Related Terms with Definitions
- Yūnus (يونس): The Arabic name for Prophet Jonah.
- Tawbah (توبة): Repentance, a central theme in Jonah’s story.
- Istighfār (استغفار): Seeking forgiveness from Allah.
Exciting Facts
- Jonah is considered one of the major prophets in Islam.
- The account of Jonah serves as an allegory for ultimate reliance on Divine wisdom.
- The City of Nineveh, where Jonah preached, is an ancient Mesopotamian city mentioned in the Qurʾān and the Old Testament.
Quotations
- “We sent him to a hundred thousand men or even more. And they believed, so We gave them enjoyment for a time.” - Qur’an, Sūrah As-Sāffāt (37:147-148)
Suggested Literature for Further Studies
- “Stories of the Prophets” by Ibn Kathir
- “The Sealed Nectar” by Safi-ur-Rahman al-Mubarakpuri
- “God’s Prophets: Personalities of Perfection” by Sayyid Mahdi as-Sadr
Inspirational Thought-Provoking Farewell
May the story of ẔŪ ʾN-NŪN remind us of the virtue of perseverance and the power inherent in sincere repentance. Each journey, like Jonah’s, is a narrative of struggle that can lead to Divine mercy and enlightenment.
Khalid Abdullah 2023-10-03
