(A total of 109 verses; revealed in the later part of the Prophet’s life in Makkah)
This surah takes its name from the story of Prophet Jonah (Yunus), who is briefly mentioned in verse 98 and is the beginning of a series of surah with these three letters—Alif, Lam, Ra. This surah also touches on Noah and provides details about Moses, his interaction with Pharaoh, and the travail of his followers after the Exodus from Egypt.
More importantly, this surah touches on several fundamental tenets of faith and human condition, as explained in the key concepts below and at the end of this chapter. The Qur’an is a revelation and a creation of God that cannot be fabricated or forged, just like the earth, the sun, the moon, and other creations of God, all of which represent the truth about God and the truth, which is foundation and purpose of creation. Human beings are privileged to be witnesses and parties to this creation and to have the choice to acknowledge the truth or deny it. Such choices have consequences, and the stories of Jonah, Noah, and Moses in this chapter are further historical evidence of the realities of life and the consequences of its denial, no matter how powerful or wealthy one might be.
This freedom of choice is a gift from God that will not be denied to anyone, nor can anyone take this choice away from another human being. Given this reality, none should be overly grieved if there are people who are in denial, despite their best effort, but continue to press their conversation, discussion, and persuasion with patience, empathy, and truth.
This surah concludes with this assertion that those who are faithful and do good will always prevail, as God made it incumbent upon Himself to protect and deliver the good people in the long run as long as they demonstrate constancy, patience, and unwavering adherence to truth and just causes.
Following are key concepts in this surah, which are listed here and further explained at the end of the surah:
1. Truth is revealed through God’s created world (10:2–6, 101).
2. Faith and goodness are the cornerstones of creation and success (10:4, 9–10).
3. The alteration of success and failure is the mechanism to test human beings (10:11–14, 21–24).
4. The Prophet does not control revelations, but God reveals as He wills (10:16, 31, 49).
5. God allows opportunities for people to correct themselves (10:11, 19, 30, 47).
6. Process of creation: first creation, reproduction, resurrection (10:34, 4).
7. The Qur’an cannot be fabricated or reproduced (10:37–38).
8. The Qur’an is a source of mercy, healing, warning, and guidance (10:57, 94).
9. God is actively engaged in our affairs (10:61).
10. Belief in God cannot be forced (10:99, 2:256, 18:6, 10:108).
11. God will deliver the faithful and those who do good (10:103).